An 11-year-old girl reportedly feigned death before fleeing the scene where her family was killed, as revealed in court documents. Authorities responded to a call about a ‘disturbance with gunfire at a residential house’ in Fall City, Washington on Monday, October 21.
Upon arrival, police found two adults and three children dead inside the home.
The young girl sustained injuries to ‘at least two parts of their body’ and was immediately taken to the hospital. The King County Sheriff’s Office informed NPR that the victims appeared to be from the same family.
King County Sheriff Deputy Mike Mellis addressed the media, stating: “It does appear to be that this is a family incident. Clearly, a domestic violence incident that involves not only a young man who’s now in significant trouble, it involves firearms. A young man and firearm.
“What had happened here this morning had essentially concluded before the 911 call was made or before deputies arrived.”
A 15-year-old was taken into custody and placed in King County’s juvenile detention center later on Monday.
Although many questions remain about the day’s events, the girl’s testimony in court documents sheds some light.
According to the documents, the 11-year-old awoke to the sound of gunfire.
She opened her bedroom door to find her father, Mark Humiston, lying on the floor with a head wound.
Additionally, she saw her nine-year-old brother on the floor, bleeding from the mouth.
Her seven-year-old sister was also purportedly shot and fell to the floor.
The alleged shooter, identified by the girl as her 15-year-old brother, fired at her, striking her in the hand and neck.
She recalled her brother inspecting the bodies to see who was still alive, and she pretended to be dead when he stood by her bed.
The girl managed to escape through a ‘fire window’ and sought refuge at a neighbor’s house, who then called 911.
The local community gathered at Fall City United Methodist Church earlier this week to honor those who perished.
Hargis Engineers issued a statement to King 5 via the Post, saying: “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. Our thoughts are with his surviving family, friends, and colleagues during this difficult time.”