4 Killed in Stabbing as Deputies Tried to Serve Restraining Order

Suspect shot and killed by deputy after allegedly stabbing victims outside home

Published on Feb. 25, 2026

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A 32-year-old man fatally stabbed four people in Washington state on Tuesday morning as sheriff's deputies were on their way to serve him a domestic violence protection order. The suspect died after being shot by an arriving deputy.

Why it matters

This tragic incident highlights the challenges law enforcement can face when trying to serve restraining orders, especially when the subject of the order has a history of mental health and substance abuse issues. It also raises questions about how to better protect victims of domestic violence and ensure restraining orders are properly enforced.

The details

According to authorities, deputies initially responded to reports that the 32-year-old man was violating a no-contact order at a home on the Key Peninsula. They obtained a copy of the order, learned it had not been served on the man, and headed to the address to provide it to him. While en route, additional reports came in that the man was stabbing people outside the home. The first deputy arrived within about three minutes and shot the suspect, who was pronounced dead at the scene. Three of the stabbing victims were dead at the scene and another died while being taken to a hospital.

  • At 8:40 a.m., deputies responded to reports the 32-year-old man was violating a no-contact order.
  • Around 9:30 a.m., additional reports came in that the man was stabbing people outside the home.
  • The first deputy arrived within about three minutes and shot the suspect.

The players

32-year-old man

The suspect who fatally stabbed four people before being shot and killed by a deputy. He had a history of mental health and substance abuse issues, and had previously threatened his mother, who had obtained a restraining order against him.

Pierce County Sheriff's Office

The law enforcement agency that responded to the incident and ultimately shot and killed the suspect.

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What they’re saying

“All of a sudden I just heard like a series of gunshots. You could really hear it echoing through the trees.”

— Chris Cardenas, Nearby resident (Associated Press)

What’s next

Authorities will investigate the circumstances surrounding the issuance and service of the restraining order, as well as the actions taken by law enforcement during the incident.

The takeaway

This tragic event underscores the need for improved procedures and coordination to ensure restraining orders are properly served and enforced, especially in cases involving individuals with mental health and substance abuse issues. It also highlights the risks and challenges faced by law enforcement when responding to volatile domestic violence situations.