Authorities have identified the three people who were killed while trying to intervene in a stabbing outside a Key Peninsula home near Gig Harbor on Feb. 24.
Investigators say four people were stabbed outside the residence before a deputy with the Pierce County Sheriff’s Office shot and killed the suspect, Aleksander Shablykin, 32. One of the victims was his mother, Zoya Shablykina.
The Pierce County Medical Examiner’s Office identified the three additional victims as Joanne Brandani, 59; Louise Talley, 81; and Stephanie Killilea, 67.
Sources confirmed that Brandani, Talley and Killilea were well known in the Gig Harbor community for their advocacy and volunteer work. Talley volunteered with Visit Gig Harbor, while Brandani and Killilea served as commissioners with the Gig Harbor Arts Commission. Authorities said the three women were among those who attempted to intervene as the violence unfolded.
According to investigators, deputies initially responded shortly before 8:50 a.m. to a reported violation of a no-contact order near Lake Kathryn. While en route, witnesses reported a man was stabbing people outside the home. The stabbings were reported at 9:30 a.m., and deputies arrived to find the suspect actively attacking victims. A deputy shot and killed Shablykin at 9:33 a.m., officials said.
Three victims died at the scene. A fourth victim was transported by Gig Harbor Fire crews but later died at a hospital.
Court records show Shablykina had obtained a one-year protection order against her son in May 2025, citing alleged threats, prior physical aggression and concerns about his mental health and substance abuse. The order required him to stay 1,000 feet away from her and comply with a mental health treatment plan.
Family members told reporters Shablykin had been diagnosed with bipolar disorder and had recently stopped taking prescribed medication.
Investigators continue to review the circumstances surrounding the incident.
If you or someone you know is in crisis, help is available by calling or texting 988 or visiting 988lifeline.org. Those experiencing domestic violence can contact the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 800-799-7233 or visit thehotline.org for assistance.
Leave a Comment