11-Year-Old Sole Survivor of Seattle Family Massacre Makes Miraculous Recovery and Leaves Hospital
Mark Humison/Facebook
A 15-year-old boy accused of killing his parents and three siblings in Fall City, east of Seattle, allegedly tried to frame his younger brother for the murders. However, his 11-year-old sister, who survived the attack by playing dead, managed to escape and inform authorities about the true events, according to court documents made public on Thursday.
The teenager was charged in juvenile court with five counts of aggravated murder. Washington state law requires a preliminary hearing to determine whether the case will be moved to adult court, where he could face harsher penalties if convicted.
In her statement to investigators, the 11-year-old girl disclosed that her brother had recently been in trouble at school for poor test scores. She revealed that the handgun he used belonged to their father, and he was the only one of the children who knew the code to the lockbox where it was kept.
The King County Medical Examiner’s Office identified the victims as Sarah Humiston, 42, Mark Humiston, 43, and their children, Katheryn Humiston, 7, Joshua Humiston, 9, and Benjamin Humiston, 13. According to an affidavit by King County sheriff’s detective Aaron Thompson, the 15-year-old initially called 911 around 5 a.m. on Monday, claiming his 13-year-old brother had killed the family because of a dispute over looking at pornography.
However, moments later, a neighbor called 911 after the wounded 11-year-old girl appeared at their doorstep, reporting that her 15-year-old brother was responsible for the killings. She had escaped by pretending to be dead and then fleeing to the neighbor’s home.
Deputies arriving on the scene detained the 15-year-old in the driveway and discovered the bodies inside the house. The 11-year-old was taken to a Seattle hospital for treatment and has since been released, according to a hospital spokesperson, told USA Today.
On Tuesday, the 15-year-old waived his right to appear in court, and his defense attorneys noted that he had no prior criminal history. His attorneys did not immediately respond to requests for comments on the charges.
The teen is scheduled to appear in court on Friday for further proceedings. The children’s father, Mark Humiston, was an electrical engineer at Hargis Engineers in Seattle. The company expressed deep sorrow, stating, “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, KOMO News reported.
Mark’s leadership and vision were integral within our firm, and he will be greatly missed.” This tragic case has sent shockwaves through the community, as authorities and loved ones grapple with the loss and the unfolding investigation.
