FOREST GROVE, Ore. — A quiet rural property near Forest Grove has become the center of a devastating homicide investigation after five people were found dead over the weekend. Authorities have identified Benjamin Charles Parker as the suspect in the killings, while the victims have been identified as Mary Elizabeth Kimsey, 85; Rowan Karla Kimsey, 60; Stella Jade Kimsey, 26; Linsey Mae Haraldsen, 26; and Alvin Raymond Chu, 27. The tragedy has left families, friends and an entire community struggling to understand the loss of five lives.

The Washington County Sheriff’s Office said the victims were connected through family and close friendships, making the loss especially painful for those who knew them.

Rowan Kimsey owned and lived at the property on Northwest Otis Lane. Mary Kimsey was Rowan’s mother and Stella Kimsey’s grandmother. Stella lived at the property with Parker, whom investigators have identified as the suspect in the case.

According to authorities, Linsey Mae Haraldsen was Stella Kimsey’s best friend, while Alvin Raymond Chu was Haraldsen’s partner. Their relationships highlight the close connections among the five people whose lives were suddenly and tragically cut short.

The investigation began Saturday after firefighters with Forest Grove Fire responded to reports of a vehicle fire at the rural property. Those first responders discovered at least two of the victims, prompting a major law enforcement response and the beginning of an extensive homicide investigation.

Investigators eventually determined that five people had died at the property. Authorities also found several animals dead, including two cats and two dogs. A third cat was taken to a veterinarian for treatment but was later euthanized because of the severity of its injuries. Livestock from the property has since been rehomed.

The Washington County Sheriff’s Office said the victims’ next of kin have been notified.

For the families, the identification of their loved ones brings confirmation but also an unbearable reality. Each of the five victims had their own history, relationships, memories and people who cared deeply for them.

Mary Elizabeth Kimsey, 85, was a mother and grandmother whose life represented decades of family memories. Her death has left behind loved ones mourning the loss of a family matriarch.

Rowan Karla Kimsey, 60, was the owner and resident of the property. Rowan was Mary Kimsey’s child and Stella Kimsey’s parent. The deaths of Rowan, Mary and Stella have left a family grieving multiple generations at once.

Stella Jade Kimsey, 26, was a young woman whose life was taken far too soon. She was remembered as a close friend to Linsey Haraldsen and was living at the property at the time of the tragedy. At just 26 years old, Stella had much of life still ahead of her.

Linsey Mae Haraldsen, 26, was Stella’s best friend and the partner of Alvin Chu. Her death has brought immense sorrow to everyone who knew and loved her.

Alvin Raymond Chu, 27, was Linsey’s partner and was also among those killed. His life was tragically cut short at an age when many young adults are building their futures, relationships and dreams.

Parker Tracked to Enumclaw

While investigators continued processing the Forest Grove-area crime scene, authorities also worked to locate Parker.

The Washington County Sheriff’s Office said investigators had been tracking Parker’s cellphone and noticed that the number had pinged several times in Enumclaw, Washington.

Investigators then entered the license plate number from the vehicle belonging to one of the victims into the Flock camera system. Authorities determined that the vehicle had entered Enumclaw five times but had not been recorded leaving.

That information eventually helped law enforcement locate the vehicle parked behind a grocery store.

Enumclaw police found Parker deceased inside the vehicle. Authorities said he had died from a gunshot wound and was found with a gun in his hand.

Police said no other weapons were found inside the vehicle. Evidence recovered from the scene was sent back to the Washington County Sheriff’s Office as investigators continued examining the circumstances surrounding the deaths.

The vehicle Parker was found in belonged to one of the five victims found dead at the Forest Grove-area property.

A Community Left Heartbroken

The Forest Grove Fire Department, whose firefighters were among the first responders at the scene, later shared an emotional statement about the tragedy.

The department acknowledged the profound impact the incident had on the community and on the first responders who were called to the property.

For those who arrived first, the call became something far more devastating than an ordinary emergency. For the families, it became the moment their lives changed forever.

The tragedy has attracted national attention as investigators continue working to understand the sequence of events and gather evidence.

The Washington County Sheriff’s Office planned another news conference for Monday, Aug. 25, at its headquarters in Hillsboro. Officials said the exact time would be announced with advance notice.

As investigators continue their work, the families of Mary, Rowan, Stella, Linsey and Alvin are left with memories of the people they loved.

Five lives have been lost.

Five families have been changed forever.

And behind the headlines and investigation are five human beings who had families, friendships, dreams and futures.

May Mary Elizabeth Kimsey, Rowan Karla Kimsey, Stella Jade Kimsey, Linsey Mae Haraldsen and Alvin Raymond Chu be remembered for the lives they lived and the people they were loved by—not simply for the tragic circumstances surrounding their deaths.

May their families find strength and comfort during the difficult days ahead.

Rest peacefully, Mary, Rowan, Stella, Linsey and Alvin. Your lives mattered, your memories will endure, and you will not be forgotten.