Gig Harbor, Washington — Months before four people were fatally stabbed outside a home near Gig Harbor, court records show the suspect’s mother had obtained a one-year protective order against him, alleging threats, disturbing behavior and ritualistic activity inside her home.
The Pierce County Sheriff’s Office confirmed that deputies responded around 8:41 a.m. Tuesday to a report involving a possible no-contact order violation. However, authorities later determined the order had not yet been served, making it invalid at that time.
While deputies were en route to serve the paperwork, they received emergency calls reporting that a man was stabbing people outside the residence.
Four Victims Killed, Suspect Shot by Deputies
According to law enforcement, three victims were pronounced dead at the scene, while a fourth victim later died after being transported to a hospital.
Deputies shot and killed the suspect at the scene, officials said.
The man has since been identified as Aleksandr Shablykin, according to local reports citing court and property records. His mother, Zoya Shablykin, is connected to the residence where the violence unfolded.
Mother’s Protective Order Detailed Disturbing Allegations
Court documents show that in May 2025, Zoya Shablykin was granted a one-year protective order against her son.
In her petition, she described herself as an “elderly disabled woman” and alleged that her son had been threatening and emotionally abusing her.
She claimed he was “doing witchcraft/occult behavior and doing rituals in my home.”
Zoya also accused him of damaging personal property and injuring her cat.
In one incident described in court filings, she said she returned home in April 2025 to find a “very strange” smell, her smoke detector activated and her cat missing. She further alleged there was “evidence of occult rituals” and described her son as “acting delusional.”
The petition also alleged that Aleksandr told her “that her grave has already been dug.”
Court-Imposed Restrictions
Following the protective order, Aleksandr Shablykin was barred from purchasing, possessing or owning dangerous weapons. He was also required to participate in a mental health treatment plan.
The order mandated that he remain at least 1,000 feet away from his mother, her residence, her vehicle and her workplace.
Authorities have not clarified whether the suspect was in compliance with the mental health requirements at the time of Tuesday’s attack.
Community Left in Shock
Neighbors described the violence as unimaginable in what they considered a quiet, safe neighborhood.
“It was still extremely shocking … because it’s a son and a mother,” one neighbor said. “I just can’t believe it happened because it’s something I’ve always bragged about is how small and quaint and safe my neighborhood is.”
The tragedy has left the Gig Harbor community grappling with grief and unanswered questions, particularly about the events leading up to the stabbings and whether earlier warning signs could have prevented the violence.
The Pierce County Sheriff’s Office has not released additional details about the victims or the timeline of events as the investigation continues.
If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health challenges, resources are available. In the United States, you can call or text 988 to reach the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline for confidential support.
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