A 36-year-old man died by suicide in Enumclaw, Washington, on Sunday after allegedly killing five people—including his girlfriend, her mother, grandmother, best friend, and her friend’s partner—at a rural Forest Grove property on Saturday, authorities said.
Police identified the suspect as Benjamin Charles Parker and confirmed he was found dead inside a vehicle behind a Safeway in Enumclaw. The victims were later identified as Stella Jade Kimsey, 26; her mother, Rowan Karla Kimsey, 60; her grandmother, Mary Elizabeth Kimsey, 85; Stella’s best friend, Linsey Mae Haraldsen, 26; and Haraldsen’s partner, Alvin Raymond Chu, 27.
Timeline of Events
Investigators said the violence began after a domestic dispute between Parker and Stella Kimsey on Thursday evening or early Friday morning. Stella told a friend she planned to break up with Parker, who was living with her, her mother, and grandmother on the property. Stella told Parker he had to leave, according to Washington County Sheriff’s Office Detective Mark Povolny.
Rowan Kimsey, who owned the property, drove to the home to check on her daughter. Parker allegedly shot and killed her upon her arrival. Later, Linsey Haraldsen and Alvin Chu arrived to check on Rowan and Stella. Parker is accused of killing all three before setting fire to four of the victims’ bodies and the family home. Two dogs and two cats were found shot dead, while a fifth cat was euthanized after being injured.
Method of Killings
All five victims were shot with a .22 caliber gun, Povolny said. Stella Kimsey, her mother, grandmother, and Haraldsen were shot multiple times. Chu was found inside a vehicle at the property, while Mary Kimsey was found outside the vehicle. The suspect fled the scene after the shootings and setting the fire.
Investigative Details
Detectives said family members had previously expressed concerns about Parker’s behavior. Mary Kimsey had told a friend that Parker would argue with Stella and could become very upset, Povolny said. Parker’s father, Gary Rogers, issued a statement expressing sorrow over the killings.
Community Response
Friends and family of the victims gathered to mourn the loss of three generations of one family and two others who had come to check on loved ones. Rowan Kimsey was remembered as an artist and tattooist, while Stella Kimsey was described as a beloved daughter and friend. Haraldsen and Chu were also memorialized by those who knew them.
Domestic Violence Context
Advocates at a press conference highlighted the dangers of domestic violence, noting that the period when a survivor attempts to leave an abusive relationship is often the most volatile. Rachel Schutz, an advocate, stated that domestic violence is about control, and when an abuser feels they are losing that control, the risk of homicide increases. She cited data indicating that homicides in Oregon and Washington County are predominantly linked to domestic violence.
Ongoing Investigation
Authorities continue to investigate the motive behind the shootings, though they believe the violence stemmed from the domestic dispute between Parker and Stella Kimsey. The case remains under review as detectives piece together the final hours before the killings.