Occult Rituals and Witchcraft Reported at Washington Home Before Fatal Mass Stabbing
A woman whose Washington home became the site of a mass stabbing that left five people dead had filed a protective order last year claiming occult activity and witchcraft were occurring at the property, according to recent reports. The tragic incident unfolded in Gig Harbor, outside Seattle, on Tuesday, February 24, 2026, when a Pierce County Sheriff's Deputy responded to a call and found a 32-year-old male actively stabbing someone, leading to a deputy-involved shooting that killed the suspect.
Protective Order Details Alleged Occult Behavior
In April 2025, the elderly disabled woman who lived at the property filed the protective order against her son, who resided with her. She claimed he had been conducting "occult rituals" and "witchcraft" in the home, damaging personal belongings and harming her cat. According to records reviewed by KOMO News, the petition stated the man believed he was an Egyptian god and refused to get a job, taking advantage of her health and vulnerability.
The woman described an incident in April 2025 where her son removed items from the home and caused a strange smell to emanate from the garage, with the smoke detector going off. She wrote that her son was "acting delusional" and that "evidence of occult rituals was present." The petition also cited another alarming claim where the son told his mother that "her grave had already been dug," highlighting the escalating threats and mental health concerns.
Mass Stabbing and Deputy Response
On the day of the incident, the Pierce County Sheriff's Office received a tip that a man was planning to violate the protective order at the home. As a deputy from the Peninsula Branch was en route, multiple witnesses called to report that a person had begun stabbing residents. Upon arrival, the deputy encountered the 32-year-old male suspect actively stabbing someone and shot him dead.
Four adults died from stab wounds inflicted by the suspect before officers arrived, bringing the total death toll to five, including the suspect. Chris Cardenas, a nearby resident, recounted hearing a series of gunshots that echoed through the trees, underscoring the chaotic and violent nature of the event. Authorities have indicated that the suspect had been suffering from mental health problems, which may have contributed to the delusional behavior described in the protective order.
Legal Actions and Ongoing Investigation
The protective order was issued in May 2025 following two previous petitions, including the report of alleged occult activities. The woman had asked the court for protection from her son, citing physical and mental abuse. Despite these legal measures, the situation culminated in the deadly mass stabbing, raising questions about the effectiveness of protective orders in cases involving severe mental health issues.
Investigators are continuing to examine the scene and gather evidence to understand the full context of the occult rituals and the events leading up to the tragedy. The case has drawn attention to the intersection of mental health crises, occult allegations, and violent outcomes in domestic settings.
