World
Girl, 11, survived US shooting by ‘playing dead’ as brother, 15, accused of killing five family members
A 15-year-old boy has been charged with five counts of aggravated murder after his parents and three of his siblings were shot dead.
The incident took place in a house in the east of Seattle, Washington state, and the unnamed defendant allegedly tried to blame his younger brother for the attack.
However, his injured 11-year-old sister was said to have survived by playing dead and, according to an affidavit of probable cause by King County sheriff’s detective Aaron Thompson, fled to a neighbour, who called the police.
Mark Humiston and his wife Sarah
Mark Humiston, 43, his wife Sarah Humiston, 42, and their children Katheryn Humiston, 7, Joshua Humiston, 9, and Benjamin Humiston, 13, were identified as the victims by the King County Medical Examiner’s Office.
The 11-year-old sister told investigators that the accused had recently been in trouble for failing school tests, and the handgun she alleged he used belonged to their father.
Of all the children, he was the only one who knew the code to the lock box where the weapon was kept, the unnamed girl added.
People light candles during a vigil for the victims of the shooting. Pic: The Seattle Times/AP
According to the affidavit, police received a 911 call around 5am on Monday from the defendant.
He said that his 13-year-old brother had shot and killed their family in Fall City because he had got into trouble for looking at pornography.
But then the neighbour rang 911 as well a few minutes later, reporting the younger sister’s version of events.
Officers arrived at the scene and arrested the 15-year-old in the driveway, before finding the bodies inside.
The 11-year-old was treated in hospital before being released.
Read more from Sky News:
Menendez brothers could be released early
US fast food giants pull ingredient
Politician dies after crashing lawn mower into pool
Keep up with all the latest news from the UK and around the world by following Sky News
The defendant waived his right to appear in court on Tuesday, according to the King County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office, but his lawyers said that he had no criminal history.
He is set to appear in court on Friday afternoon.
Mark Humiston worked as an electrical engineer with Hargis Engineers.
The company said in a statement: “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.
“Mark’s leadership and vision were integral within our firm, and he will be greatly missed.”