Protection Order Missed: Man Kills Four, Shot Dead

In Washington state, a man fatally stabbed four people on Tuesday morning. The violent incident unfolded as Pierce County Sheriff's deputies were en route to serve the 32-year-old suspect a domestic violence protection order. The man died after being shot by a deputy who arrived at the scene. Three of the victims were pronounced dead at the home, while a fourth succumbed to their injuries during transport to a hospital.

Court records revealed that the suspect's mother, an elderly disabled woman, had obtained a one-year protection order against him in May. She cited his mental health and substance abuse issues, past physical altercations, and recent threats, including mentioning her 'grave has been already dug up.' The order prohibited him from possessing dangerous weapons and required him to stay 1,000 feet from his mother and her address.

Authorities were responding to reports of the man violating a no-contact order when they learned of the ongoing stabbings. The first deputy arrived within minutes and fatally shot the suspect. It remains unclear why the protection order had not been previously served.