Updated

Updated · The Seattle Times · Aug 24

Oregon 5-Killing Suspect Benjamin Parker Found Dead in Washington, Police Suspect Suicide

Updated

Updated · The Seattle Times · Aug 24

Oregon 5-Killing Suspect Benjamin Parker Found Dead in Washington, Police Suspect Suicide

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 · The Seattle Times · Aug 24

Enumclaw police found 36-year-old Benjamin Charles Parker dead in his vehicle Sunday, ending the search for the suspect in a quintuple homicide outside Forest Grove, Oregon.
Around 5:30 a.m. Saturday, Washington County deputies responding to a 911 report of a vehicle fire on Northwest Otis Lane discovered five dead people and several domestic animals.
Investigators believe Parker died by suicide and said they do not see an ongoing threat to the public as the Washington County Major Crimes Team continues the case.
Forest Grove lies about 25 miles west of Portland, and authorities have not yet released further details on the victims or the circumstances behind the killings.