Aleksandr Aleksand Shablykin, a 32-year-old man from Gig Harbor, Washington, was identified as the suspect in a deadly stabbing rampage that left five people dead, including himself, on the morning of Tuesday, February 24, 2026.
The violence unfolded in a quiet residential cul-de-sac in the 14000 block of 87th Avenue Court Northwest, near the Key Peninsula and just outside Gig Harbor. According to the Pierce County Sheriff’s Office, the incident began with a 911 call at 8:41 a.m. reporting a violation of a protection order filed against Shablykin by his mother.
When deputies arrived at the scene, they encountered a horrific scene. Shablykin had already fatally stabbed three individuals at the residence, including his 52-year-old mother, Zoya Shablykin. A fourth victim, who was critically injured, was rushed to a nearby hospital but later succumbed to their injuries. The victims were reportedly neighbors who had attempted to intervene and protect Zoya during the attack. Authorities described the scene as chaotic and deeply disturbing, with multiple victims found both inside and outside the home.
Shablykin was shot and killed by responding deputies at approximately 9:33 a.m., after he reportedly confronted them while still armed. The Pierce County Sheriff’s Office confirmed that the suspect was pronounced dead at the scene. While specific details about the exchange of gunfire have not been released, officials stated that the deputies involved have been placed on administrative leave pending the outcome of the investigation, which is standard protocol in officer-involved shootings.
Reports from neighbors and local media revealed that Shablykin had a documented history of mental health issues. His mother had filed a protection order against him in April 2025, citing concerns for her safety, but it was never successfully served. Witnesses described Shablykin as increasingly erratic in recent months, with some accounts suggesting he believed he was a divine figure. The attack has raised questions about the enforcement of protection orders and the availability of mental health resources for individuals in crisis.
The upscale lakeside neighborhood where the tragedy occurred has been left in shock. Residents described the area as peaceful and close-knit, making the sudden eruption of violence all the more jarring. Community members have begun organizing vigils for the victims, and local officials have pledged to review procedures related to restraining order enforcement and mental health intervention to prevent similar tragedies in the future.
As the investigation continues, the Pierce County Sheriff’s Office is working with the medical examiner and other agencies to piece together the full timeline of events. Authorities are also reviewing body camera footage and interviewing witnesses to determine the exact circumstances of the deputy-involved shooting. The community remains in mourning as it grapples with the devastating loss of life and the questions left in the wake of the attack.
