Parents found dead in Fall City home identified, vigil held by community members
SEATTLE — The two parents who were found dead inside a Fall City home on Monday morning have been identified.
Rhea Robertson, a soccer coach who mentored one of the victims, said the two adults and three children found dead were family members. Robertson told KOMO News the parents were Mark Humiston and his wife Sarah Humiston.
"Dad worked so hard and mom was the most dedicated, loyal mother you could ask for," Robertson said. "You thought they were perfect. From the outside, they looked perfect to me."
A spokesperson for Hargis Engineers confirmed to KOMO News that Mark Humiston was a professional electrical engineer within the firm and described him as a “valued member” of the company.
“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,” Hargis Engineers said in a statement to KOMO News. “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.”
ALSO SEE |Snoqualmie Valley community to hold grief gathering after murder of Fall City family
A candlelight vigil was held at Fall City United Methodist Church on Tuesday night. Neighbors and friends gathered inside the church to remember the "close-knit family."
Pastor Carrie Bland told KOMO News she saw the long faces of responders who stopped by her favorite coffee shop in Fall City on Monday and said she knew then she had to do something. She quickly organized the vigil and invited other clergy to participate.
"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," Bland said.
The girl who survived the incident was confirmed to be an 11-year-old, a source told KOMO News. She went to a neighbor's house for medical help before authorities arrived. On Wednesday afternoon a spokesperson with UW Medicine said she had been discharged from the hospital.
“They were very strong Christians, they loved God. You could tell,” said Camille Sharp, a neighbor. “They are just like a beautiful family, beautiful kids, walked with their kids every day, homeschooled their kids.”
The 15-year-old boy who is accused of killing Mark, Sarah and the three teens had a court appearance on Tuesday afternoon. According to the King County Prosecuting Attorney's Office, he waived his right to appear in person and was represented by defense attorneys instead.
Judge Joe Campagna found probable cause on five counts of first-degree murder and one count of first-degree attempted murder to hold the teen in secure detention and have no contact with "surviving family members of the immediate family."
The teen has not been formally charged and the KCPAO has until Thursday at 4:30 p.m. to file charges with the court.
WATCH |Teenage boy arrested after 5 found dead inside home
According to the King County Sheriff's Office, deputies found the bodies of two adults and three juveniles at a home on the 7700 block of Lake Alice Road Southeast, which is near the Lake Alice public boat launch, after multiple 911 callers reported a possible shooting just before 5 a.m. Monday in the Fall City area of King County.
At a press conference on Monday afternoon, Mellis clarified that there were initial reports about a suicide incident by "hanging." Mellis said after their preliminary investigation they determined the situation was not a suicide.
Mellis said when deputies arrived at the home, the incident had already concluded. Deputies immediately secured the scene on arrival and entered the home.
The neighborhood is quiet and does not see much crime or police activity, Mellis said. A general search of the address showed KCSO deputies have not responded to any significant incidents in the past at the home and it is not a "problem house."