11-year-old who survived mass slaughter by alleged teen killer in ritzy Washington home released from hospital
The 11-year-old who survived a mass killing inside a ritzy mansion in Washington was released from the hospital – two days after her teen brother allegedly shot his parents and their three children to death.
The lone survivor, who was shot two times during the horrific slaughter, was released from Harborview Medical Center in Seattle on Wednesday, a hospital spokesperson confirmed to USA Today.
Mark and Sarah Humiston, and three of their four children’s bodies were found riddled with bullets inside the family’s $2 million home in Fall City – a suburb of Seattle – around 5 a.m. Monday, King 5 reported.
The couple’s 15-year-old son is accused of carrying out the carnage, during which he also targeted his 11-year-old sister, who escaped the home and was taken to the hospital after receiving medical aid from a neighbor.
“It hits me really hard,” said Pastor Carrie Bland, who organized a candlelit vigil at Fall City Methodist Church Tuesday night, KOMO News reported.
“I think about not just the loss of children but the parents and the impact that that has, it’s a ripple effect through the community cause every person touches multiple people.”
Rhea Robertson, a soccer coach who mentored one of the victims, said the Humiston’s were dedicated and loyal parents who, from the outside, “looked perfect,” the outlet reported.
Humiston was a longtime software engineer at Hargis Engineers in Seattle, and his wife was reportedly a registered nurse, though it’s unclear whether she was still practicing.
“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 King 5.
“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.”
Deputies responded to the Lake Alice Road home – a stunning waterfront property – after receiving multiple 911 calls of a “disturbance with gunfire” and found the bodies of the two parents and their three children, according to King County sheriff’s spokesperson Mike Mellis.
Some of the 911 calls came from victims who were inside the home and hiding in the bathroom, KIRO 7 reported.
Deputies immediately arrested the juvenile after arriving at the family home, with Mellis explaining the shooting appeared to be a “domestic violence” incident.
“Once bodies were discovered, clearly we understand that this is a hugely significant crime scene,” Mellis explained.
Prosecutors on Tuesday asked the court to charge the teen – who was not identified due to his age – with five counts of first-degree murder and one count of first-degree attempted murder, according to the King County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office.
Judge Joe Campagna ordered that the alleged killer remain in secure juvenile detention as he awaits formal charges, calling the allegations of the “gravest possible seriousness,” the Seattle Times reported.
Campagna also prohibited any contact with the sole surviving member of his family, the 11-year-old girl, prosecutors said.
The teen, who waived his right to attend his first appearance in King County Superior Court, was described by defense attorney Amy Parker as a young boy who “enjoys mountain biking and fishing.”
She also stressed that her client has no criminal history.
Prosecutors are expected to file formal charges against the teen – who remains booked at King County Juvenile Detention – on Thursday.
