Gun Extremism: 5 dead, including gunman, in Belfair shooting
BELFAIR, Wash. - Mason County Sheriff's officials say a gunman killed four people in a home in rural Mason County before fatally shooting himself after an hours-long standoff.
Mason County Sheriff's Chief Deputy Ryan Spurling says the armed man called 911 Friday morning to say he had shot four people in a private home, local authorities said. The possible victims included the man's wife, two children, and someone else.
Officers tried to negotiate with the man for about three hours as he held a gun to his head. Just before 1 p.m., officers were able to make their way inside the home, where they found the bodies.
Mason County Sheriff Casey Salisbury said the gunman shot and killed himself in front of deputies.
Officials have not released the identities of the four victims.
Officials said there were 11 structures on the property and each one needed to be searched.
A 12-year-old girl found at the scene is believed to be related to the shooting victims. She was not seriously injured.Investigators hope she can help detectives figure out what happened and why.
"It's a horrific tragedy for people we may not even know about yet," said Salisbury.
KING 5's Drew Mikkelsen contributed to this report and is tweeting the latest developments.
Comments