Authorities in Washington state are conducting an active homicide investigation after a deadly stabbing incident in Pierce County left five people dead Tuesday morning. According to the Pierce County Sheriff’s Office, four adult victims and a 32-year-old male suspect died following the violent confrontation in the community of Purdy.
Law enforcement officials reported that the incident began shortly after 8:45 a.m. when deputies were dispatched in response to a call about a man allegedly entering a residence in violation of a court-issued no-contact order. Deputies were reportedly en route to serve the order when emergency calls escalated, with multiple witnesses stating that a man was outside the home stabbing individuals in the street at approximately 9:30 a.m.
By the time deputies arrived at the scene, several victims had sustained critical injuries. Authorities confirmed that three adult victims were pronounced dead at the scene. A fourth victim was transported to a nearby hospital but later succumbed to injuries. The suspect, whose identity has not yet been publicly released, was shot by responding deputies within minutes of the reported stabbing spree. Officials stated that the suspect was pronounced dead at the scene.
The Pierce County Sheriff’s Office indicated that the entire sequence of events unfolded rapidly, with deputies responding and engaging the suspect within approximately three minutes of receiving reports that people were being stabbed. Investigators are now working to determine the full timeline, motive, and circumstances that led to the violent attack.
Officials have not yet disclosed the identities of the victims, pending notification of next of kin. Authorities also have not confirmed whether the suspect had any known relationship with the victims beyond the alleged violation of the no-contact order.
The tragic incident has raised renewed concerns about domestic violence, public safety, and enforcement of protective orders in Washington state. Detectives continue to collect evidence, interview witnesses, and review body camera footage as part of the ongoing investigation. Law enforcement officials are urging anyone with additional information about the Purdy stabbing to contact authorities as they work to piece together the events that led to the fatal encounter.
