Warning: This article contains discussion of suicide which some readers may find distressing.
Authorities in Washington have disclosed more information regarding a suspected murder-suicide incident that occurred at two residences near Seattle, where four individuals were found deceased earlier this week.
A ‘concerning’ email directed to an attorney initiated a welfare check at a Mercer Island property on Tuesday (December 30), leading officers to discover an elderly woman and her son dead from gunshot wounds.
The victims have been identified as artist Danielle Cuvillier, 80, and Mackenzie P. Williams, 45.
According to the police, four firearms were uncovered inside the house, and there were ‘no signs of forced entry.’
As the investigation progressed, officers determined that someone was unaccounted for from the property, prompting a check at another residence a short drive away in Issaquah, reportedly owned by Williams.
At this location, they found the bodies of a woman in her 40s and her brother-in-law, a man in his 30s.
The Mercer Island Police Department (MIPD) stated on Tuesday: “Based on preliminary information, the incident appears to be a homicide followed by a suicide. There is no indication of an ongoing threat to the community.”
They further added: “Investigators continue to work closely with the King County Medical Examiner’s Office to determine the official cause and manner of death.”
Court documents related to both addresses revealed that Williams had been involved in numerous legal disputes with his mother Cuvillier, primarily concerning the care of his disabled brother, who suffered from a rare genetic condition known as Angelman syndrome.
These documents also indicated that Williams was mandated to surrender over 50 guns to local authorities after concerns arose, as reported by King 5 Seattle.
The station also accessed a 911 call recording that seemingly captured the pair arguing about the care of the younger son. Following the call, Cuvillier was detained and spent a night in jail.
Williams accused his mother of physical and emotional abuse in court filings, according to The Seattle Times. However, after a prolonged battle over custody, Cuvillier was awarded guardianship of her younger son.
The court ruling included a visitation agreement allowing Williams to see his brother. According to court documents, the visitation schedule required him to return his brother to the Mercer Island property by Monday night, the day before the bodies were discovered.
In a public update on New Year’s Eve, the MIPD stated: “This process will take time, and results will be released when available.
“The investigation remains ongoing. Additional information will be provided as it becomes appropriate to do so.”
Officers have not yet confirmed who was responsible for the shootings as they await the results of the four autopsies and ballistic analysis from the two locations.
If you or someone you know is struggling or in a mental health crisis, help is available through Mental Health America. Call or text 988 or chat 988lifeline.org. You can also reach the Crisis Text Line by texting MHA to 741741.