A man suspected of killing five people at a rural property in Oregon was later found dead in what authorities believe was a self-inflicted death, local law enforcement announced Sunday.
The victims were discovered Saturday inside a home in a rural community near Forest Grove, approximately 30 miles (48 kilometers) from Portland, after officers responded to the scene following a report of a vehicle fire. Authorities had been investigating the case as multiple counts of premeditated murder.
Several pets were also found dead at the property, according to officials.
“In my 22 years here, I have never investigated or seen a crime scene this complex,” said Washington County Sheriff Caprice Massey.
According to her department, a suspect was later identified as 36-year-old Benjamin Charles Parker, who was believed to be responsible for the killings.
Police found him dead inside his vehicle in Enumclaw, Washington County, approximately 45 miles (72 kilometers) from Seattle. He is believed to have died by suicide, according to Sheriff Massey’s office.
