5 bodies, dead animals found after Oregon fire investigated as quintuple homicide

FOREST GROVE, Ore. (KPTV/Gray News) - Authorities are investigating the deaths of five people and several domestic animals found after an early morning fire on a rural Oregon property.

Washington County deputies responded at 5:27 a.m. Saturday to assist the Forest Grove Fire Department with a reported vehicle fire in an unincorporated rural area outside Forest Grove. Firefighters discovered human remains at the scene.

Officials say a total of five dead people and several dead domestic animals were found on the property.

“This is being investigated as a quintuple homicide,” a spokesperson for the Sheriff’s Office said during a Sunday press conference, confirming that investigators do not believe this was a random act.

At a news conference on Sunday evening, the sheriff’s office said they had one suspect who was found dead in Enumclaw, Washington, and said they believe he took his own life. The suspect was identified as 36-year-old Benjamin Parker.

Officials said they do not believe there is any danger to the community at this time.

The identities of the victims have not been confirmed as investigators work to locate and notify next of kin.

“In my 22 years here, I have not been a part of or witnessed a scene quite this complex,” Washington County Sheriff Caprice Massey said. “I recognize that this incident is deeply concerning to our community. Our investigators are working to determine what happened, and we have dedicated every available resource to this case.”

The sheriff’s office detective unit is leading the investigation with support from the Washington County Major Crimes Team. State forensics teams, K-9 units and county animal services are also processing the heavily vegetated property.

Detectives are pleading for tips from anyone familiar with the residence, its occupants, or their associates.

“There are no details too small,” Massey said. Anyone with information is urged to contact the Washington County non-emergency dispatch line at 503-629-0111 and reference case number 50-26-11866.