5 dead, including suspect, in stabbing in Washington state

Five people are dead, including a 32-year-old male suspect, after a stabbing and deputy-involved shooting in Purdy, Washington, according to officials.

The incident unfolded Tuesday morning at a home in the 14000 block of 87th Avenue Northwest in Purdy, according to the Pierce County Sheriff’s Office. Purdy is an unincorporated community southwest of Tacoma, across Puget Sound from Seattle.

Sheriff’s Office spokeswoman Deputy Carly Cappetto said a call came in at about 8:41 a.m. reporting a violation of a no-contact order involving an adult male at the residence. Before deputies arrived, they confirmed the court order had not yet been served and was therefore not valid.

Deputies obtained a copy of the order to serve on the suspect. While they were en route, multiple witnesses reported at about 9:30 a.m. that a man was stabbing people outside the home.

A single deputy arrived, and shots were reported at 9:33 a.m., Cappetto said. Four people were found dead at the scene, including the 32-year-old male suspect. A fifth victim was transported by Gig Harbor Fire and later died from their injuries.

Authorities have not released the identities or ages of the victims, nor have they disclosed the suspect’s relationship to them or a possible motive.

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