Police Fatally Shoot Man After Deadly Stabbing Spree in Washington

Suspect killed his mother and three other women in Gig Harbor before being confronted by deputies

Published on Mar. 2, 2026

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Police in Washington state fatally shot a man, Aleksandr Aleksandro Shablykin, after he went on a deadly stabbing spree that left his mother and three other women dead in the Gig Harbor area. Authorities responded to the scene after Shablykin violated a no-contact order, leading to a confrontation where he was shot and killed by a deputy.

Why it matters

This tragic incident highlights the ongoing challenges of mental health and domestic violence issues, as the suspect had a history of mental health struggles and a restraining order against him. It also raises questions about the effectiveness of protective orders and the need for better support systems to prevent such violent outbursts.

The details

According to police, Shablykin stabbed and killed his mother, 52-year-old Zoya Anatolyevna Shabliykina, as well as three other women - Joanne Kathleen Brandani, 59, Stephanie Killilea, 67, and Louise Sandra Talley, 81 - who lived nearby. All four victims died from multiple sharp force injuries. The crime took place on February 24 just after 8:30 a.m. at a home in Gig Harbor.

  • The incident occurred on February 24, 2026 just after 8:30 a.m.
  • Shablykin had a restraining order against him that was not yet valid, as it had not been served, when the deputies arrived around 9:30 a.m. to serve him the paperwork.
  • Shabliykina had obtained a yearlong restraining order against her son in May 2025 due to his mental health and substance abuse issues.

The players

Aleksandr Aleksandro Shablykin

The 32-year-old Washington man who went on a deadly stabbing spree, killing his mother and three other women before being fatally shot by police.

Zoya Anatolyevna Shabliykina

The 52-year-old mother of Aleksandr Shablykin, who was killed by her son during the stabbing rampage.

Joanne Kathleen Brandani

One of the three other women, aged 59, who was killed by Shablykin during the attack.

Stephanie Killilea

One of the three other women, aged 67, who was killed by Shablykin during the attack.

Louise Sandra Talley

One of the three other women, aged 81, who was killed by Shablykin during the attack.

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What they’re saying

“That was not my brother that did that … It was something else, something evil.”

— Anastasiya Shabliykina, Suspect's sister (KING)

“Anna and Anastasia Shablykina, my daughter and her mother, are facing unimaginable heartbreak after losing their beloved Grandma/Mother and Uncle/Brother to a tragic incident rooted in mental health struggles.”

— Robert Knowles, Family member (GoFundMe)

What’s next

The investigation into the incident is ongoing, and authorities are working to determine the full circumstances surrounding the deadly stabbing spree.

The takeaway

This tragic case underscores the urgent need for better mental health support and resources, as well as the challenges of enforcing protective orders, in order to prevent such devastating acts of violence from occurring in the future.