11-year-old girl survives US shooting by ‘playing dead’ as 15-year-old brother accused of killing five family members

A 15-year-old boy was charged with five counts of aggravated murder after shooting his parents and three siblings.

The incident occurred at a home on the east side of Seattle, Washington, and the unnamed defendant allegedly tried to blame the attack on his younger brother.

But his injured 11-year-old sister survived by playing dead and, according to an affidavit filed by King County Sheriff’s Detective Aaron Thompson, fled to a neighbor who called police.

The King County Medical Examiner’s Office identified Mark Humiston, 43, his wife Sarah Humiston, 42, and their children Katheryn Humiston, 7, Joshua Humiston, 9, and Benjamin Humiston, 13. .

The 11-year-old sister told investigators that the defendant had recently been in trouble for failing school tests and that the gun she claimed he was using belonged to their father.

Of all the children, he was the only one who knew the code to the box where the weapons were kept, the unnamed girl added.

The affidavit says police received a 911 call around 5 a.m. Monday from the defendant.

He said his 13-year-old brother shot and killed their family in Fall City because he got in trouble for watching pornography.

But minutes later, the neighbor also called 911 and relayed the younger sister’s version of events.

Officers arrived and arrested the 15-year-old in the driveway before finding the bodies inside.

The 11-year-old was treated at hospital before being released.

According to the King County Attorney’s Office, the defendant waived his right to appear in court Tuesday, but his lawyers said he had no criminal record.

He is scheduled to appear in court on Friday afternoon.

Mark Humiston worked as an electrical engineer at Hargis Engineers.

The company said in a statement: “We are surprised and saddened by the tragic events that resulted in the loss of a respected colleague, mentor and friend, as well as the loss of close family members.

“Mark’s leadership and vision were an integral part of our company and he will be greatly missed.”