Updated

Updated · KATU · Aug 26

Benjamin Parker Dies by Suicide After 5 Forest Grove Murders, Authorities Detail Timeline

Updated

Updated · KATU · Aug 26

Benjamin Parker Dies by Suicide After 5 Forest Grove Murders, Authorities Detail Timeline

Q: What dark secret connected Benjamin Parker to the five victims before the rural Oregon property went up in flames?

There is no confirmed “dark secret” publicly established yet. Based on what authorities have released, investigators believe Benjamin Charles Parker was specifically connected to the five victims because this was a targeted attack, not a random one, but they have not disclosed the nature of that relationship. The known facts are these: five people and several domestic animals were found dead on the rural Otis Lane property outside Forest Grove after a reported vehicle fire. The Washington County Sheriff’s Office later identified Parker, 36, as the suspect. Police in Enumclaw, Washington, found him dead in his vehicle, and investigators believe he died by suicide. What remains unknown is the precise link between Parker and the victims. Authorities have not publicly confirmed whether he was a relative, resident, associate, business contact, or had some other personal connection to people at the property. They have also not released the victims’ identities, saying they are still working to confirm them and notify next of kin. The sheriff’s office has, however, made clear that detectives do not think the killings were random and are seeking information from anyone familiar with the residents of the property or their associates. That strongly suggests Parker’s connection to the victims was known or personal, but any motive or “secret” behind that connection has not yet been disclosed by investigators.

3 articles · Updated · KATU · Aug 26

Investigators said Benjamin Parker was found dead in a pickup near Enumclaw, Washington, after they traced his phone and prepared a warrant for five first-degree murder counts in the Forest Grove killings.
A call with Parker’s mother became pivotal: authorities said he confessed Saturday night, described the crime as premeditated, admitted killing five animals and setting fires, then said he intended to kill himself.
Detectives believe Parker used a .22-caliber gun to kill Stella Kimsey first, then Rowan Kimsey, Linsey Haraldsen, Mary Kimsey and Alvin Chu as each arrived at the rural property.
Evidence showed Parker tried to burn the scene—setting one car ablaze, igniting fires at the other bodies and attempting to torch the home and carport—while all five victims were found in or near the driveway.
Authorities linked the killings to a "horrible fight" after Stella told Parker to leave, and said forensic and laboratory work will continue for months despite no criminal prosecution.