UPDATE, 9/8: The Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office released the names of the three deceased individuals to the North Coast Journal today. They are:

  • Kip Kari King, 58
  • Kimberly Anne King, 62
  • Max Gerald Hunt, 81

Additionally, the sheriff’s office said Hunt — who had been the boyfriend of Kip King’s deceased mother — is suspected of shooting the married couple before taking his own life. The case remains under investigation.

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Original Post: Press release from the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office:

On Sept. 5, 2023, at about 2:32 p.m., Humboldt County Sheriff’s deputies were dispatched to a residence on the 1400 block of Marty Avenue in McKinleyville to conduct a welfare check.

According to the reporting party, a resident of the home missed an appointment and was unable to be reached. Deputies arrived at the residence and located three individuals deceased inside.

Investigators with the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Major Crimes Division responded to the residence and based upon their investigation, there are no outstanding suspects. This case is being investigated as a murder/suicide.

During their investigation, Sheriff’s investigators learned that the decedents were relatives by marriage and were living together at the time of this incident. The three are believed to have been deceased for several weeks before being discovered.

The deceased are described as follows:

  1. 81-year-old white male
  2. 58-year-old white male
  3. 62-year-old white female

Identities of the deceased are being withheld pending next of kin notification. Autopsies have been scheduled for tomorrow, September 7. Cause and manner of death will be available for release following the results of the autopsies.

If you are struggling or concerned for yourself or someone else, know you are not alone. We can all play a role in preventing suicide and help is available. Contact any of the following 24-hour hotlines: 

Additional support can be found by exploring an expanded list of resources, click on the link here for Suicide and Violence Prevention Resources for Service Providers in English and here for resources in Spanish.

Anyone with information about this case or related criminal activity is encouraged to call the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office at (707) 445-7251 or the Sheriff’s Office Crime Tip line at (707) 268-2539.