Prosecutors seek to transfer Fall City teen accused of killing his family to adult court

KING COUNTY, Wash. — The King County Prosecutor’s Office is seeking move case against 15-year-old boy accused of killing his family to adult court.

The teen appeared in juvenile court Friday afternoon and prosecutors formally requested that the case be moved to the adult court system, but a judge will ultimately decide whether that happens.

“That process in all types of cases takes months; the judge will have multiple opportunities to hear from prosecutors and the defense before making a final decision,” said KCPAO spokesperson Casey McNerthney.

A hearing to decide whether the case will go to adult court is scheduled for June 4, 2025.

On Thursday, The teen was charged with five counts of first-degree aggravated murder and one count of attempted murder.

Charging documents allege the teen shot all six members of his family in the early hours of Monday morning inside their home on Lake Alice Road near Fall City.

The King County Medical Examiner’s Office identified the shooting victims as Katheryn Humiston, 7, Joshua Humiston, 9, Benjamin Humiston, 13, and their parents Mark Humiston, 43, and Sarah Humiston. , 42 years old.

An 11-year-old girl survived the shooting and ran to a neighbor’s house for help after escaping through a window. According to a police report, the 11-year-old girl told police that her 15-year-old brother had killed the family.

The 15-year-old suspect went to another neighbor’s house and called 911 while claiming that his 13-year-old brother, Benjamin, had killed the family, according to charging documents.

Sheriff’s investigators allege the 15-year-old boy set up the crime scene and then tried to blame his brother for the shooting.

According to a sheriff’s report, the 15-year-old boy was the only child in the family who knew the combination to a safe for a Glock pistol kept in the family’s home.

Attorneys with the King County Department of Public Defender represent the 15-year-old.

In a statement, defense attorney Amy Parker noted that the only evidence the sheriff’s office and prosecutors have provided them is a 3.5-page probable cause statement.

Given the media interest in this case and the seriousness of these charges, we want the court to know that several people in the community who know our client have contacted us and attested to his good character. He has been described by them as kind and affectionate. This is a child who has many friends, has prosocial interests, and has contributed positively to his community. However, we are not addressing liberation at this time. “We want the court to know this information, as the only information the Court has at this time is the probable cause certification and the charging documents.”

Earlier this week, Judge Joe Campagna issued an order prohibiting the media from revealing the name of the 15-year-old.

The decision on whether the case will be moved to adult court will have major implications for potential sentencing, prosecutors said.

“If convicted of the charges in adult court, the sentence set by state legislators is 25 years to life in prison with a presumption of release after 25 years,” McNerthney said. “The state’s Indeterminate Sentence Review Board makes the release determination. If he remains in juvenile court, the 15-year-old could only be detained until age 25, less than 10 years from now, with no further sanctions.”

The teen will remain in secure custody at the King County Children and Family Justice Center.