Authorities have been investigating the shocking fatal shootings of five individuals in Fall City, Washington, for several days this week. A recent court document has provided a harrowing insight into the situation, as recounted by an 11-year-old girl who survived the ordeal. Despite suffering from injuries caused by a bullet, the young girl identified the weapon as her father’s silver Glock handgun. She also recognized the shooter—her 15-year-old brother.
The girl described witnessing her brother approach the bodies of their family members to check for signs of life while she pretended to play dead in her bed. Their mother, Sarah Huminston, and their 13-year-old brother were reportedly shot and killed in another part of the house.
On the morning of the tragedy, the 11-year-old recalled waking up to the sound of gunfire. When she peered outside her bedroom door, she saw her father, Mark Huminston, with blood on his head, and her 9-year-old brother injured and bleeding on the floor of the hallway. When her 7-year-old sister exited their shared bedroom, the girl heard another gunshot and then witnessed her sister collapse to the ground. She informed investigators that the shooter then entered her room and fired at her, hitting her hand and neck.
Her 15-year-old brother was detained by authorities upon their arrival at the home. On Thursday, he faced charges in juvenile court, including five counts of aggravated murder and one count of attempted murder with a firearm enhancement. Due to his status as a juvenile, his name has not been released.
Under Washington state law, a hearing is necessary, and a judge must approve any transfer of the case to adult court. During a hearing on Friday, prosecutors formally requested that the case be moved to adult court, a process that typically takes several months before a final decision is reached.
If the case remains in juvenile court and he is found guilty, the teen could be held until the age of 25 with no additional penalties. However, if convicted in adult court, he could face a sentence ranging from 25 years to life, with a statutory presumption of release after 25 years.