New Details in Forest Grove, Oregon Quintuple Murder: Suspect Had Planned It

Published 08/26/2026 at 6:55 p.m.
By Oregon Coast Beach Connection Staff

(Forest Grove, Oregon) – What is likely the most devastating crime in the history of Oregon's Washington County took place over the weekend, as first responders discovered five people shot to death near Forest Grove, with Washington State officers later finding the suspect deceased in Enumclaw. He had shot himself. (Above: part of the press conference held by WCSO)

The homicide investigation in rural Washington County also revealed several domestic animals were dead after an early-morning fire, and new disturbing details about the suspects premeditated plans were given out at the news conference Tuesday.

On Monday, the Washington County Sheriff's Office (WCSO) released the names of the deceased.

WCSO deputies were called at 5:27 a.m. on Saturday, August 22, to assist Forest Grove Fire Department crews at a property on NW Otis Lane outside Forest Grove. A 911 caller had reported a vehicle fire, and as fire personnel arrived they discovered human remains and requested law enforcement.

“In addition, two cats and two dogs on the property were found deceased,” the agency said. “One additional cat was found injured and transported to a veterinarian for treatment, but it was later euthanized due to the extent of its injuries. Livestock on the property have since been rehomed.”

The Washington County Sheriff’s Office identified the victims as:

- Mary Elizabeth Kimsey, 85, of Portland
- Rowan Karla Kimsey, 60, of Forest Grove
- Stella Jade Kimsey, 26, of Forest Grove
- Linsey Mae Haraldsen, 26, of Portland
- Alvin Raymond Chu, 27, of Portland

Mary was Rowan’s mother and Stella’s grandmother. Linsey was Stella’s best friend, and Alvin was Linsey’s partner. Rowan owned and lived at the property, where Stella also lived with her boyfriend, Benjamin Parker, identified as the suspect.

Detectives determined that 36-year-old Benjamin Charles Parker was likely in Enumclaw, Washington. Officers there located his vehicle and found him deceased inside with a gun in his hand.

Authorities say there is no ongoing danger to the public.

It is believed to be a case of domestic violence, the WCSO said. Late Tuesday, word came Parker also lived on the property with his girlfriend, Stella Jade Kimsey. They said the pair apparently got into a fight Thursday night or Friday morning.

Not long after that, WCSO said Parker shot and killed Kimsey and her grandmother, Kimsey's best friend Haraldsen and her partner, Chu.

In a press conference, WCSO said Parker called his mother on Saturday night, confessing to the murders and saying he had planned it for some time. He also said he passed first responders on their way to the fire.

The case and the town - sitting between Portland and the Oregon Coast Range - has gained national attention.

The Kimsey family released a statement describing Mary as “a peaceful, loving, caring, and generous spiritual matriarch - a devoted mother and grandmother, and a progressive activist who dedicated her life to caring for people, nature, and the Earth, whose love and kindness were at the heart of our entire family.”

Sheriff’s Office detectives, assisted by the Washington County Major Crimes Team, continue to investigate. The Oregon State Police Crime Lab, along with Sheriff’s Office forensic and evidence personnel, processed the scene.

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