Parker, Forest Grove, Oregon: Five people found dead as homicide investigation takes a darker turn

The discovery of five bodies at a rural property outside Forest Grove, Oregon, quickly became a homicide investigation. By Sunday, authorities had identified 36-year-old Benjamin Charles Parker as the suspect. Hours later, Parker was found dead inside a vehicle in Enumclaw, Washington, in what authorities believe was a suicide.

The investigation started at about 5:27 a.m. Saturday, August 22, after a 911 caller reported a vehicle fire near Northwest Otis Lane. Fire crews went to the property expecting to deal with the fire. Instead, they found human remains and requested help from sheriff’s deputies.

Deputies and detectives then discovered that five people had died at the property. Several domesticated animals were also found dead. The scene was in a rural, heavily wooded area outside Forest Grove, about 30 miles west of Portland.

Authorities have not yet released the identities of the five victims. Their ages, genders and causes of death have also not been made public. Investigators said the case was complex and that they needed time to confirm information and notify relatives before releasing more details.

Parker was identified as the suspect as detectives worked through the case. Investigators said they did not believe the killings were random. Authorities also indicated that Parker knew the victims, but they had not publicly explained how he was connected to them or what may have led to the deaths.

Detectives later determined that Parker was in Enumclaw, Washington. Police located his vehicle behind a Safeway store and found him deceased inside. Authorities said they believe Parker died by suicide.

With Parker dead, investigators are left to establish the full sequence of events through evidence collected at the Oregon property and other investigative leads. They are also trying to determine the connection between Parker and the five people who died.

Authorities have stressed that there is no continuing threat to the public. Still, major questions remain about the deaths, the vehicle fire and what happened before emergency crews arrived at the property. The investigation is continuing as detectives work to establish the complete story.