Authorities in Oregon are investigating an apparent murder-suicide involving a father and his teenage daughter at an apartment in Beaverton, according to local authorities.
The Washington County Sheriff’s Office (WCSO) reported that Nicholas Alexander, 46, shot and killed his 16-year-old daughter, Larissa Alexander, before taking his own life. The incident occurred at Baseline Woods Apartments in an unincorporated part of Washington County.
Officers were dispatched to the apartment complex shortly before 10 a.m. Wednesday after a concerned person requested a welfare check, stating that they had not heard from one of the residents in some time. When officers received no answer at the door, they entered the residence and discovered that both Nicholas and Larissa were deceased.
The WCSO Violent Crimes Unit was immediately called to investigate. “This appears to be an isolated incident and there is no danger to the general public,” authorities confirmed.
WCSO spokesman Deputy David Huey stated the count that the two were father and daughter and that Nicholas is believed to have fatally shot Larissa before turning the gun on himself. While the county medical examiner has yet to confirm the official cause of death, the investigation continues and a clear motive has not been established.
Nicholas reportedly worked as a correctional officer with the Oregon Department of Corrections, but had been on leave since October 4. According to a local media KGWNicholas had also been under internal investigation by the Oregon DOC, although no further details about the case were revealed.
Larissa, a junior at Century High School in the Hillsboro School District, was deeply mourned by her school community. The district issued a statement expressing its anguish:
“This is a terrible tragedy and our hearts are heavy. “We are doing everything we can to surround students and staff and support them as they process this unthinkable situation and grieve the loss of their friend and classmate.” the district said in an email Thursday.
Century High School Principal Julie Kasper also addressed the devastating loss in a letter to families: “Our Century family is a tight-knit community, and every time we experience trauma and loss, it affects us all deeply. It will take time to heal, but we will get through it together. “Our thoughts and deepest condolences go out to Larissa’s family, her friends and everyone who knew her.”
Counselors are being made available to students and staff as they process the tragedy. Anyone with information about the case can contact the Washington County Sheriff’s Office at 503-846-2500, referencing case number 50-24-18037.