Full Breakdown
Quintuple Homicide Uncovered After Early-Morning Vehicle Fire Near Forest Grove, Oregon
8/25/2026, 6:11:10 AM
Core Event
On August 22, firefighters responded to a vehicle fire on Northwest Otis Lane, a dead-end street outside Forest Grove, Oregon. While extinguishing the blaze, crews discovered human remains and “suspicious circumstances,” prompting law-enforcement backup. Searches uncovered the bodies of five adults and several domestic animals. The Washington County Sheriff’s Office (WCSO) opened a homicide investigation, classifying the incident as a quintuple homicide.
Background & Context
The property is a rural parcel with extensive vegetation and forested land. Multiple agencies—including the Forest Grove Fire Department, neighboring police departments, the Oregon State Police Crime Lab, the ATF, and Washington County Animal Services—were deployed. A drone and a mobile command unit were also used.
Timeline
- August 22 (early morning) – Firefighters arrive, discover human remains and at least two deceased animals.
- Later that morning – Law-enforcement units secure the scene; a reverse 911 alert is briefly issued.
- Saturday night – Detectives confirm five victims and multiple dead animals; the investigation is labeled a homicide.
- Sunday – WCSO holds a press conference, providing limited details while emphasizing the investigation’s complexity.
- Following Sunday – Authorities locate suspect Benjamin Charles Parker, 36, dead inside a vehicle in Enumclaw, Washington; the death is believed to be a suicide.
Data & Statistics
- Victims: Mary Elizabeth Kimsey (85, Portland), Rowan Karla Kimsey (60, Forest Grove), Stella Jade Kimsey (26, Forest Grove), Linsey Mae Haraldsen (26, Portland), Alvin Raymond Chu (27, Portland).
- Relationships: Mary Kimsey was Rowan’s mother and Stella’s grandmother; Stella lived with her boyfriend Benjamin Parker; Haraldsen was Stella’s best friend; Chu was Haraldsen’s partner.
- Animals: Two cats, two dogs found dead; a third cat was euthanized after severe injury. Livestock on the property have been rehomed.
- Suspect: Benjamin Charles Parker, 36, identified as Stella Kimsey’s boyfriend and the only suspect; found dead in a vehicle behind a grocery store in Enumclaw, Washington.
Official Statements & Responses
Sheriff Caprice Massey described the scene as “the most complex” she has encountered, noting investigators do not believe the killings were random and that there is no ongoing threat to the public. Detective Shannon Wilde emphasized the logistical challenges of a “large scene” involving five victims and reiterated that the investigation remains “very active.” Both officials urged anyone with information to contact the non-emergency line at 503-629-0111, referencing case number 50-26-11866.
On-the-Ground Reports
Forest Grove Fire & Rescue spokesperson Dave Nemeyer confirmed firefighters were the first responders and that the initial 911 call pertained to a vehicle fire. Residents reported a heightened police presence and noted that the property is not visible from the road, complicating access.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
- Victim identities were not released until Monday, creating a gap between the initial discovery and public identification.
- The exact cause of death for each victim and the specific species of all animals remain undisclosed.
What’s Next
The WCSO has scheduled a follow-up news conference for Monday, where additional details about victim identification and forensic findings are expected. The investigation continues to involve multiple agencies, and the public is again asked to provide any information that may assist in reconstructing the events.
