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Oregon Family Murdered: Boyfriend Confesses Before Suicide
27 Aug
Summary
- Five family members and their pets were shot and killed in Oregon.
- Suspect Benjamin Parker confessed to the killings before dying by suicide.
- The incident is being investigated as domestic violence-related.
A brutal quintuple homicide in rural Oregon, occurring on Saturday, August 22, has shocked the community. Five individuals were found deceased at a property west of Portland, all having sustained gunshot wounds. The victims have been identified as Mary Elizabeth Kimsey, 85; Rowan Karla Kimsey, 60; Stella Jade Kimsey, 26; Linsey Mae Haraldsen, 26; and Alvin Raymond Chu, 27.
Authorities confirmed that Mary, Rowan, Stella, and Linsey were shot multiple times. Police believe Alvin, whose body was found inside a vehicle that had been set on fire, was also killed by gunfire. The same .22-caliber handgun is suspected in all the fatalities, with numerous shell casings recovered at the scene.
The suspect, identified as Benjamin Charles Parker, 36, Stella's boyfriend, was found dead in his car in Enumclaw, Washington, approximately 200 miles away, on Sunday, August 23. He had a gunshot wound to the head, and police suspect the same firearm was used.
During a press conference on Tuesday, August 25, Detective Mark Povolny revealed that Parker's mother had contacted detectives, stating her son confessed to the killings the previous night. He reportedly admitted to planning the attack, killing the animals on the property, and setting fires in an attempt to destroy evidence and the home.
Investigators are treating the case as domestic violence-related. Washington County District Attorney Kevin Barton highlighted this incident as an example of the pervasive issue of domestic violence. The Washington County Sheriff's Office continues its investigation to provide comprehensive answers to the victims' families.
