Woman Warned of ‘Disturbing’ Behavior at Home Where 5 People Were Killed

A horrifying mass stabbing at a Washington state home is now raising new questions after reports surfaced that the property’s owner had previously warned authorities about disturbing behavior inside the house.

According to local reports, the woman who lived at the Gig Harbor home filed for a protective order in April 2025, claiming her adult son — who was living with her at the time — had been engaging in what she described as “occult rituals” and “witchcraft” inside the residence.

In court documents reviewed by KOMO News, the woman alleged that her son was performing rituals in the home and damaging personal belongings. She also claimed he was hurting her cat and acting delusional.

“He’s doing witchcraft/occult behavior and rituals in my home,” the petition reportedly stated. “Hurting my cat. Thinks an Egyptian God! Refuses to get a job. I am an elderly disabled woman, and he is taking advantage of me and my health.”

The petition referenced a separate April 2025 incident in which the woman said her son removed items from the home and caused a strange smell to come from the garage. She wrote that smoke detectors were going off and that her son appeared delusional, adding that there was “evidence of occult rituals.”

The woman sought court protection, alleging both physical and mental abuse. A protective order was issued in May 2025 following the concerning claims, which reportedly included an incident where she said her son told her that “her grave had already been dug.”

Fast forward to February 24, 2026.

The Pierce County Sheriff’s Office says a deputy responded to the Gig Harbor home after receiving a tip that a protective order might be violated. While the deputy was en route, multiple 911 calls came in reporting that someone was stabbing residents inside the house.

When the deputy arrived, authorities say he encountered a 32-year-old man actively stabbing someone. The deputy opened fire, killing the suspect at the scene.

Four adults were fatally stabbed before officers arrived, according to officials.

So far, authorities have not publicly released the names of the victims or the suspect, and the relationships between those involved remain unclear.

Neighbors described the scene as chaotic and terrifying.

“All of a sudden I just heard like a series of gunshots,” nearby resident Chris Cardenas told the Associated Press. “You could really hear it echoing through the trees.”