Four people were killed in a stabbing in a coastal neighborhood near Gig Harbor, Washington, as authorities arrived at the scene to handle a violation of a no-contact order. The 32-year-old suspect was shot and killed by a police officer at the scene, according to the Pierce County Sheriff’s Office.

Three victims died at the scene, while another passed away en route to the hospital. The identities of the victims and the suspect have not yet been officially released.

Police stated they received a report on the morning of February 25 regarding the suspect violating a no-contact order at a home approximately 45 miles from Seattle. While officers were en route to deliver a copy of the order to the address, they received additional reports of a stabbing occurring outside the house.

Court records show the suspect's mother had applied for protection orders multiple times since late 2020. She was granted a one-year protection order last May, which detailed domestic violence, emotional abuse, mental health issues, and substance abuse involving her son.

According to court documents, the mother alleged her son had pushed her, threatened that her “grave was already dug,” destroyed personal property, harmed pets, and performed rituals she described as “dark magic” or occult behavior in the home. Another petition stated the suspect had previously threatened his sister with a knife.

This past April, the mother again petitioned the Pierce County Superior Court, stating her son claimed to be an “Egyptian god.” The following month, the court ordered the suspect to vacate the residence and maintain a distance of 1,000 feet from his mother, her vehicle, and their shared home. The order also required compliance with a mental health treatment plan and prohibited the possession of dangerous weapons.

It remains unclear why the protection order had not been served before the incident occurred. Under Washington state law, the petitioner can request law enforcement or a private investigator to handle the service of the order.

The Pierce County Force Investigation Team has taken over the case. The investigation is ongoing.

Source: Pierce County Sheriff’s Office, Seattle Times, Associated Press.