Washington County authorities on Aug. 23 identified Benjamin Charles Parker as the suspect and said he was found dead in Washington.
Why it matters: The case is a major homicide investigation spanning Oregon and Washington, and authorities say it does not appear to pose a random threat to the public.
- Deputies responded at 5:27 a.m. Aug. 22 to a vehicle fire at 47350 NW Otis Lane outside Forest Grove, Oregon.
- Fire personnel found human remains, and responders later found five dead people and several domestic animals.
- On Aug. 23, the sheriff's office identified 36-year-old Benjamin Charles Parker as the suspect and said he was found dead in Enumclaw, Washington.
- Washington County detectives, the Major Crimes Team and the Oregon State Police Crime Lab are investigating the case.
Washington County, Oregon, authorities are investigating five deaths on a rural property west of Forest Grove as a homicide case. Deputies first responded Saturday, Aug. 22, at 5:27 a.m. to a reported vehicle fire at 47350 NW Otis Lane. Fire personnel then found human remains, and responders later discovered five dead people and several domestic animals. The sheriff's office said detectives are working with the Washington County Major Crimes Team and the Oregon State Police Crime Lab.
Investigators said they do not believe the killings were random and asked for tips from anyone with information about the property's residents or associates. No arrests had been made in the initial homicide release. AP reported that the bodies were found on a rural property outside Portland. Reuters reported that investigators were treating the case as a suspected multiple homicide.
By Aug. 23, Washington County authorities identified Benjamin Charles Parker, 36, as the suspect. The sheriff's office said Enumclaw Police found him dead inside his vehicle in Enumclaw, Washington, and investigators believed he died by suicide. Officials said they did not believe there was any danger to the public after he was located dead.
Authorities have not released the victims' identities or said what led to the killings. The investigation remains ongoing.
By the numbers
- 5 - deaths under investigation
- 5:27 a.m. - time deputies responded Aug. 22
- 36 - age of the identified suspect, Benjamin Charles Parker
Yes, but: Authorities have not publicly released the victims' identities or explained what led to the deaths.
What's next: The sheriff's office says the investigation remains ongoing.