Police investigate 'horrific' triple murder in Renton, WA over the weekend

Renton triple homicide suspect arrested

A 46-year-old man has been arrested in connection with a triple homicide in Renton, Washington, where a 28-year-old woman, a 46-year-old woman, and her 9-year-old daughter were killed. Police tracked the suspect to South Seattle, with witnesses indicating he was in a relationship with the 46-year-old victim.

RENTON, Wash. - Multiple female victims are dead following a Saturday evening shooting incident in Renton. Police located and arrested the shooter on Sunday, a 46-year-old man.

What they're saying:

"It was a very long night for our detectives. The investigators worked all night processing search warrants, serving search warrants, the electronics for the suspects, interviewing witnesses and family, trying to figure out where this individual might be," said Meeghan Black, Communications Manager for Renton Police Department.

"We do not know at this time what was said, what kind of argument, what happened to prompt such a horrific event," she continued.

Timeline:

Just after 7:30 p.m. on July 19, police say they responded to calls in the Kirkland Avenue NE area near 18th Street about a shooting. Officers informed the public there would be a heavy police response as they initially investigated the scene of violence. 

Two women, aged 46 and 39, and a 9-year-old girl were shot and killed inside a home in the area. Two other people who were inside at the time were able to escape, according to Renton Police. Their statements to police helped track down the shooter.

RPD's Meeghan Black spoke further about the experience of the escaped witnesses.

"One of them hid in some bushes and was able to scream at someone who was gardening, they called 911," Black said. "It was a horrific scene that they had to witness and fled from"

"Not only is that a horrific violent scene to witness, but they also lost friends, they were there visiting so our entire community is there mourning with them tonight," she continued.

Renton police say the 46-year-old suspect and 46-year-old victim were in a dating relationship. They also say the suspect knew the two younger victims as well, but did not specify the nature of their relationship with one another.

Investigators believe this was an act of targeted domestic violence and therefore do not believe there is or was an ongoing threat to the general public this weekend.

"This was some incredible police work, you talk about tv shows and things solved overnight like this, this does not happen everyday, they worked around the clock," Black said.

An investigation was underway heading into Sunday to understand the cause of the shooting.

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