Seattle teen arrested after allegedly killing five family members

Disclaimer: Some readers may find the story disturbing. Discretion is required.

A 15-year-old boy was arrested after he allegedly killed five family members and injured another at a home in Fall City, Washington, authorities said Tuesday, Oct. 22.

Police found two dead adults and three children Monday at the lakefront home 25 miles east of Seattle. Another young girl was found injured, shot twice, but fled the scene and is being treated in hospital.

Neighbors describe the shocking incident as “unbelievable.” They described the young victims as “so sweet and polite.”

Mike Mellis, a deputy with the King County Sheriff's Office, said the shooting was a “family incident” and confirmed that the teen had been taken into custody. Although all six family members lived in the same house, their relationships with each other are not yet known.

Someone in the house called 911. “They shot the other family members, I think there are five in total, not including the RP (reporting party) who is hiding in the bathroom,” a dispatcher said during a call, according to Fox13.

“I just saw the kids in the driveway yesterday afternoon,” Lynne Trowern, a neighbor, told Fox13. She described it as being quiet until about 4 p.m., after which the family came home and one of the boys was playing the piano in the garage. “I'm shocked. I kept bursting into tears.”

“They immediately took a young male teenager into custody,” Mellis said. “It appears to be a family incident, a domestic violence incident involving a young man who is in significant difficulty and involving firearms,” he added that it was clear whether more than one weapon is used. According to the Gun Violence Archive, this incident was the 25th mass killing of 2024.

“This incident was a very limited tragedy within a family or an extended family or within the residence,” Mellis said. “As bad as it is, at least it stayed contained in this property.”

The teen was being held at the King County Juvenile Detention Center.

(With contributions from agencies)