A 15-year-old boy accused of killing his parents and three siblings in Fall City, east of Seattle, allegedly tried to frame his younger brother for the murders. However, her 11-year-old sister, who survived the attack by playing dead, managed to escape and inform the authorities about the true events, according to court documents made public on Thursday.
The teen was charged in juvenile court with five counts of aggravated murder. Washington state law requires a preliminary hearing to determine whether the case will be moved to adult court, where he could face harsher penalties if convicted.
In her statement to investigators, the 11-year-old girl revealed that her brother had recently been in trouble at school because of his poor test scores. She revealed that the gun she used belonged to her father and that he was the only one of the children who knew the code to the safe where it was kept.
The King County Medical Examiner’s Office identified the victims as Sarah Humiston, 42, Mark Humiston, 43, and their children, Katheryn Humiston, 7, Joshua Humiston, 9, and Benjamin Humiston, 9. 13. According to an affidavit of King County Sheriff’s Detective Aaron Thompson, the 15-year-old, initially called 911 around 5 a.m. Monday, claiming his 13-year-old brother had killed the family over a dispute over watching pornography.
However, moments later, a neighbor called 911 after the injured 11-year-old girl showed up at her door, reporting that her 15-year-old brother was responsible for the murders. She escaped by pretending to be dead and then fled to the neighbor’s house.
Officers arriving at the scene stopped the 15-year-old in the driveway and discovered the bodies inside the home. The 11-year-old boy was taken to a Seattle hospital for treatment and has since been released, a hospital spokesperson said. USA today.
On Tuesday, the 15-year-old waived his right to appear in court, and his defense attorneys noted he had no criminal record. His attorneys did not immediately respond to requests for comment on the charges.
The teen is scheduled to appear in court on Friday for further proceedings. The children’s father, Mark Humiston, was an electrical engineer at Hargis Engineers in Seattle. The company expressed its deep regret, stating: “We are shocked and saddened by the tragic events that have resulted in the loss of a respected colleague, mentor and friend, as well as the loss of immediate family members. KOMO News reported.
“Mark’s leadership and vision were an integral part of our company and he will be greatly missed.” This tragic case has shocked the community, as authorities and loved ones deal with the loss and the ongoing investigation.