A 15-year-old has been accused of killing his parents and three siblings at their Washington state home in Fall City. The teen allegedly shot his family members before calling the police and claiming that one of the victims had killed the rest of the family and then himself. The only surviving sibling, an 11-year-old girl, managed to escape through a window and seek help from a neighbor.
The 15-year-old has been charged with five counts of murder and one count of attempted murder in connection with the shootings. The attempted murder charge carries a firearms enhancement, which could result in a greater sentence if he is convicted. The teen’s attorneys maintain that he is innocent until proven guilty and describe him as a normal 15-year-old with no criminal history.
Investigators believe that the suspect staged the scene to make it appear as though one of the victims had committed the murders and then killed himself. The motive for the killings remains unclear, and attempts to reach family members for comment have been unsuccessful. The community has been shocked by the tragedy, with local officials expressing their sympathy and support for those affected.
The teen’s father, who was one of the victims, was an electrical engineer for Hargis Engineers. The company released a statement expressing their sadness over the loss of their colleague and his family members. Detectives continue to investigate the case to determine the full circumstances surrounding the tragic event.
Photo credit
www.nbcnews.com