Full Breakdown
Quintuple Homicide Uncovered on Rural Property Near Forest Grove, Oregon
8/26/2026, 6:22:28 AM
Background & Context
On Saturday, August 22, emergency crews responded to a vehicle fire on Northwest Otis Lane, an unincorporated area outside Forest Grove, about 30 miles west of Portland. Firefighters discovered human remains and several dead domestic animals, prompting a homicide investigation led by the Washington County Sheriff’s Office.
Victims and Animal Losses (Data & Statistics)
The sheriff’s office identified five victims:
- Mary Elizabeth Kimsey, 85, of Portland – mother of Rowan Karla Kimsey.
- Rowan Karla Kimsey, 60, of Forest Grove – property owner.
- Stella Jade Kimsey, 26, of Forest Grove – daughter of Rowan.
- Linsey Mae Haraldsen, 26, of Portland – friend of Stella.
- Alvin Raymond Chu, 27, of Portland – partner of Linsey.
Two cats and two dogs were found dead; a third cat was later euthanized due to severe injuries. Livestock on the property has been re-homed.
Investigation Timeline
- Saturday, August 22 (?5 a.m.) – Fire crews arrived for a reported vehicle fire; dispatch audio captured firefighters requesting law-enforcement assistance after discovering at least one deceased victim.
- Later Saturday – Deputies entered the property and located the five bodies and the dead animals.
- Sunday – The sheriff’s office held a press conference, confirming a “quintuple homicide” and stating the suspect was known to the victims.
- Sunday (later) – Enumclaw Police in Washington located a vehicle belonging to one of the victims; inside they found 36-year-old Benjamin Charles Parker deceased with a gun in his hand, which officials said indicated suicide.
- Monday – Victim identities were released publicly; the sheriff’s office reiterated that there was no ongoing threat to the community and that the investigation remained active.
Official Statements & Responses
Detective Shannon Wilde said investigators were “learning more information every minute.” Governor Tina Kotek expressed condolences, urging the community to keep the families “in our hearts and prayers.”
Verbatim Quotes
- “I will say that in my 22 years here, I have not been a part of or witnessed a scene quite this complex involving this type of an investigation,” — Sheriff Caprice Massey
- “There are no details too small,” — Sheriff Caprice Massey
Ongoing Investigation
Detectives continue to request tips from anyone familiar with the residence, its occupants or associates, emphasizing that “there are no details too small.” The Washington County Sheriff’s Office can be reached at the non-emergency line 503-629-0111, referencing case 50-26-11866. The investigation remains open, with forensic analysis of the scene and the vehicle ongoing.
