Exams messed up

15-year-old wipes out his family out of frustration

Here, police are just arriving on the scene.

(Bild: ASSOCIATED PRESS)

A violent shock in the US state of Washington: after getting into trouble at school, a 15-year-old murdered his father, mother and three siblings. Only his eleven-year-old sister narrowly survived the horrific act by pretending to be dead, seriously injured.

The 15-year-old son of the slain family was charged with five counts of murder and attempted murder on Thursday, US media report unanimously, citing court documents. The father, mother and three children, aged seven, nine and 13, were found shot dead in the family home in Fall City on Monday morning.

The 11-year-old daughter allegedly played dead after being shot twice in the hand and neck, CNN reported, citing court documents. The girl then allegedly climbed out the window and ran to the neighbors, who reportedly alerted police at around 5 a.m.

Distraught neighbors leave the scene.

(Bild: ASSOCIATED PRESS)

The judge speaks at the preliminary hearing.

(Bild: ASSOCIATED PRESS)

Defendant blamed 13-year-old brother
On Friday, according to the report, the prosecution had filed a motion for trial under adult criminal law. According to CNN, the surviving sister claims that the 15-year-old brother committed the crimes with a gun belonging to their father. According to court documents, the 15-year-old allegedly told police that his 13-year-old brother killed the family and then himself.

According to the sister, however, the accused was the only child who knew the access code to the father's gun locker. The 15-year-old was allegedly in trouble for failing exams, according to CNN. The hearing on whether adult criminal law should be applied is scheduled for June 4, 2025, according to the Seattle Times.