FOREST GROVE, Ore. — A devastating tragedy has left families and the Forest Grove community mourning after five people were found dead at a rural property, with Benjamin Charles Parker identified by investigators as the suspect in the case. The victims were identified 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; and Alvin Raymond Chu, 27, of Portland.

The Washington County Sheriff’s Office said the five victims were connected through family, friendship and relationships. Their deaths have brought profound grief to those who knew and loved them.

Rowan Kimsey owned the property on Northwest Otis Lane and lived there. Authorities said Mary Kimsey was Rowan’s mother and Stella Kimsey’s grandmother. Stella was also living at the property with Parker, who investigators have identified as the suspect.

Investigators said Linsey Haraldsen was Stella’s best friend, while Alvin Chu was Haraldsen’s partner. The connections between the victims make the tragedy even more heartbreaking, as several people who shared meaningful relationships were lost in the same devastating incident.

The investigation began Saturday when Forest Grove Fire personnel responded to reports of a vehicle fire at the property. Firefighters were among the first responders to arrive and discovered at least two of the victims.

As law enforcement continued processing the scene, investigators discovered that five people had died. The property also contained animals that were killed. Authorities found two cats and two dogs deceased, while another injured cat was taken to a veterinarian but was later euthanized because of the severity of its injuries. Livestock from the property has since been placed in new homes.

The sheriff’s office said the victims’ families have been notified.

Remembering Five Lives

Although the investigation has drawn widespread attention, the heart of this tragedy is the five people whose lives were taken.

Mary Elizabeth Kimsey, 85, leaves behind a lifetime of memories and relationships. As a mother and grandmother, she was part of a family spanning generations. Her death represents the loss of someone whose presence had been woven into the lives of those closest to her for decades.

Rowan Karla Kimsey, 60, was the owner and resident of the property where the tragedy occurred. Rowan was Mary Kimsey’s child and Stella Kimsey’s parent. The loss of Rowan alongside Mary and Stella has created an especially painful chapter for their family.

Stella Jade Kimsey, 26, was a young woman whose life ended far too soon. She was a granddaughter, daughter and close friend, and authorities said she shared a strong friendship with Linsey Haraldsen. At only 26, Stella had an entire future ahead of her that was tragically taken away.

Linsey Mae Haraldsen, 26, was remembered through her close friendship with Stella and her relationship with Alvin. Her life, like Stella’s, was cut short at an age when there should have been many more years to create memories with the people she loved.

Alvin Raymond Chu, 27, was Linsey’s partner and was also among those who died. His death has left another family and circle of friends facing an unimaginable loss.

Each person had a story beyond the circumstances of their deaths. They were loved ones, friends and family members whose absence will continue to be felt.

Investigation Leads to Enumclaw

While investigators worked to secure the Forest Grove-area crime scene, authorities were also searching for Parker.

The Washington County Sheriff’s Office said investigators tracked Parker’s cellphone and noticed multiple location pings in Enumclaw, Washington.

Authorities then used the license plate information from a vehicle belonging to one of the victims with the Flock camera system. Investigators determined that the vehicle had entered Enumclaw five times but had not been detected leaving the area.

That information eventually led authorities to a vehicle parked behind a grocery store.

Enumclaw police found Parker dead inside the vehicle. Authorities said he had suffered a fatal gunshot wound and was found with a gun in his hand.

Police said no additional weapons were found inside the vehicle. Evidence recovered there was sent to the Washington County Sheriff’s Office as investigators continued working to reconstruct what happened.

The vehicle Parker was found in was reportedly owned by one of the five victims.

A Community Mourning

The Forest Grove Fire Department later spoke about the emotional impact of the tragedy, acknowledging the difficulty faced by the community and the first responders who were called to the scene.

For the firefighters who arrived expecting to respond to a vehicle fire, the discovery of multiple victims turned the call into an unforgettable and heartbreaking experience.

For the families, the tragedy is even more personal.

There are now empty places at family gatherings, unanswered messages and memories that will never be replaced. The people who once filled those spaces are gone, leaving their loved ones to navigate a loss that words cannot fully describe.

The Washington County Sheriff’s Office planned another news conference for Aug. 25 at its Hillsboro headquarters as investigators continued providing information about the case.

While authorities work to establish the complete circumstances surrounding the killings, the families are left to remember Mary, Rowan, Stella, Linsey and Alvin for who they were.

Their lives were more than the circumstances of their deaths.

They were family members.

They were friends.

They were partners.

They were people who mattered.

May Mary Elizabeth Kimsey, Rowan Karla Kimsey, Stella Jade Kimsey, Linsey Mae Haraldsen and Alvin Raymond Chu be remembered with dignity and compassion.

May the memories they left behind bring comfort to their families and friends during the difficult days ahead.

Rest peacefully, Mary, Rowan, Stella, Linsey and Alvin. May your memories remain in the hearts of those who loved you, and may you never be forgotten.