A 15-year-old boy was arrested in Fall City, Washington, for allegedly shooting and killing five of his family members. The King County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office revealed that the boy staged the scene to make it look like his 13-year-old brother was responsible for the murders. The victims were identified as siblings Katheryn Humiston, 7; Joshua Humiston, 9; Benjamin Humiston, 13, and parents Sarah Humiston, 42, and Mark Humiston, 43. The 15-year-old was also accused of attempting to kill his 11-year-old sister, who survived by pretending to be dead.
Despite the shocking allegations, the boy’s public defender, Amy Parker, emphasized that members of the community have described him as kind and caring. The 11-year-old survivor recounted the harrowing experience of waking up to gunshots and witnessing the tragic deaths of her family members. She revealed that her brother shot her in the hand and neck before she managed to escape through a window and seek help.
The 15-year-old boy called 911 and claimed that his brother had committed the murders and then taken his own life. However, authorities discovered inconsistencies in the story, leading to the boy’s arrest. Prosecutors are now seeking to transfer the case to adult court, with a hearing scheduled for June 4.
The surviving sister is currently under the care of a family member, and prosecutors are urging the media to respect their privacy. The defense attorney representing the 15-year-old is requesting access to all relevant information and evidence gathered during the investigation to assess the government’s claims thoroughly.
This tragic incident has left the community in shock and raised questions about the circumstances surrounding the murders. As the legal proceedings continue, the focus remains on seeking justice for the victims and understanding the motives behind such a horrendous crime.