Five Dead in Key Peninsula Mass Stabbing, Suspect Killed by Deputy

Tragedy Strikes Key Peninsula

Five individuals, including the alleged assailant, are dead following a mass stabbing incident on Washington's Key Peninsula on Tuesday morning, February 24, 2026. The tragedy occurred after Pierce County Sheriff's deputies were dispatched to a domestic violence report involving a violation of a no-contact order.

The incident took place in the 14000 block of 87th Avenue Court NW, near Lake Kathryn and Purdy, an unincorporated area of Pierce County. Authorities confirmed that the 32-year-old male suspect was shot and killed by a deputy who arrived on the scene.

Timeline of Events

The sequence of events began around 8:40 a.m. when a call was placed regarding a violation of a no-contact order. Deputies discovered that the order, though issued, had not yet been formally served to the suspect, rendering it technically invalid. A deputy was en route to serve the order in person.

However, while the deputy was still on the way, multiple witnesses reported around 9:30 a.m. that the man was actively stabbing people outside the residence. The first deputy arrived within approximately three minutes of these reports and, at 9:33 a.m., shot the suspect.

Victims and Investigation

Of the five fatalities, four were victims of the stabbing. Three of these victims were pronounced dead at the scene, while a fourth succumbed to their injuries after being transported to a hospital by Gig Harbor Fire crews. All victims are believed to be adults, though their identities, along with that of the suspect, have not been publicly released.

The investigation into the use of deadly force by law enforcement has been taken over by the Pierce County Force Investigation Team, a standard procedure in such incidents.

Prior History of Violence

Court records reveal a history of domestic issues at the address. A woman residing at the home had previously obtained multiple protective orders against her 32-year-old son, who is believed to be the suspect. These orders, issued as recently as last May, cited the son's mental health and substance abuse problems. The mother had reported instances of physical aggression, including being pushed, and threats, such as the son telling her 'her grave had already been dug up.'

Further filings indicated the son was 'acting delusional,' believing he was 'an Egyptian god,' and had been accused of harming the family cat. The protective orders had stipulated that the son vacate the residence, stay away from his mother, be barred from possessing weapons, and adhere to a treatment plan.