New details are emerging in the case of a Washington family found slain inside their Seattle home. Police reportedly found the bodies of Mark and Sarah Humiston alongside those of three of their five children. Tragically, all died from apparent gunshot wounds. Quickly, emergency crews took the sole survivor, an 11-year-old girl, to an area hospital with gunshot wounds. Allegedly, the Humiston’s 15-year-old son killed the rest of the family in what police called an act of domestic violence.
A representative from Harborview Medical Center in Seattle confirmed that hospital personnel have released the girl from its care, USA Today reported. Many people, however, are still wondering what happened inside the home that led to such a tragedy.
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The family lived in a wealthy part of town.
Per King 5, the Humiston family resided in Fall City in a $2 million home. Mark Humiston reportedly worked as an electrical engineer, and Sarah Humiston was a registered nurse. But her license reportedly expired in 2022, King 5 reported. Although the family homeschooled their children, they were well-known and active in the community.
The shooting shocked Mark Humiston's employer.
According to a statement to USA Today from Chris Sheldon, a spokesperson for Hargis Engineers, the company cannot believe what happened.
“We are blindsided and saddened by the tragic events that have led to the loss of a respected colleague, mentor, and friend, as well as the loss of immediate family members,” the statement reads. “Mark’s leadership and vision were integral within our firm, and he will be greatly missed. Our thoughts are with his surviving family, friends, and colleagues during this difficult time.”
Community members gathered to honor the family.
Fall City United Methodist Church Pastor Carrie Bland organized a vigil for the family, according to KOMO.
“It hits me really hard. I think about not just the loss of the children but the parents and the impact that that has, it’s a ripple effect through the community cause every person touches multiple people,” she said.
Additionally, Rhea Robertson, a soccer coach who mentored one of the victims, spoke highly of the family.
“Dad worked so hard and mom was the most dedicated, loyal mother you could ask for,” Robertson told KOMO. “You thought they were perfect. From the outside, they looked perfect to me.”
The suspected killer remains in custody.
Per the Seattle Times, the 15-year-old, who news outlets declined to name due to his age, currently sits in secure detention. He reportedly waived his right to appear at a court hearing on October 22. As of now, King County Juvenile Court Judge Joe Campagna found probable cause to charge the teen with five counts of first-degree murder and one count of first-degree attempted murder.
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It's unclear whether the teen could face charges as an adult.
Campagna recommended the teen remain in custody as he poses “the highest possible risk to community safety,” per the Times. Prosecutors planned to make a charging decision by October 24, ahead of an October 25 arraignment.
Next, the juvenile court judge must weigh eight “Kent factors” based on a US Supreme Court decision in 1966 to determine whether the case stays in juvenile court or moves to an adult court, the Times reported.
