A 60-year-old Washington state man has been charged with two counts of first-degree murder and burglary after authorities say he fatally shot his estranged wife and her boyfriend just one day after a court approved a protection order against him.
According to the Mason County Sheriff’s Office, the suspect, identified as Robert T. Child, was taken into custody Wednesday evening and booked into the Mason County Jail. Investigators allege that Child entered a residence in Hoodsport, Washington, on Tuesday evening and opened fire with a shotgun, killing his wife, 46-year-old Anna Child, and her partner, 46-year-old Jason Hilde.
Protection Order Filed Days Before Shooting
Court records show that Anna Child filed for a protection order on March 9, citing fears for her safety. In her petition, she reportedly stated that her husband had made a threatening remark indicating that if he could not be with her, no one would. She expressed concern that she did not feel safe and asked the court for protection.
A Mason County judge approved the order on Monday, prohibiting Robert Child from coming within 250 feet of his wife. The couple was reportedly in the process of divorcing at the time.
Authorities later confirmed that the protection order had not yet been formally served to the suspect before the shooting occurred.
Shooting at Hoodsport Residence
On Tuesday around 7 p.m., deputies responded to reports of gunfire at a home in Hoodsport, a small community along the Hood Canal. Upon arrival, law enforcement discovered Jason Hilde near the front door with a fatal gunshot wound to the head. Anna Child was found on a stairway inside the residence, also suffering from gunshot wounds. A shotgun and spent shell casings were recovered at the scene.
Investigators believe the suspect entered the home before shooting both victims and then fled in a white pickup truck.
A nearby resident reported hearing multiple blasts and called 911. The neighbor later stated that he encountered the suspect shortly after the shooting and questioned him about what had happened. According to the account provided to authorities, the suspect claimed he acted after the victims allegedly pointed a firearm at him.
Law enforcement officials have not publicly confirmed any evidence supporting that claim. Detectives are continuing to examine the circumstances surrounding the shooting, including whether any weapons were present near the victims.
Arrest and Ongoing Investigation
Following an overnight search effort, Robert Child was located and arrested Wednesday evening without further reported incident. He now faces two counts of first-degree murder, as well as a burglary charge related to allegedly unlawfully entering the residence.
Mason County Sheriff Ryan Spurling stated that the department is conducting an internal review to determine whether any additional actions could have been taken after the protection order was granted. Officials acknowledged that the order had not yet been served to the suspect before the killings occurred.
Broader Concerns About Domestic Violence Cases
The case has raised renewed concerns about the timing and enforcement of protection orders in domestic violence situations. Legal experts note that while protection orders are designed to create legal boundaries and enable law enforcement intervention, they do not always immediately prevent acts of violence—particularly if the restrained individual has not yet been formally notified.
Domestic violence advocates stress the importance of safety planning, rapid service of court orders, and coordinated responses between courts and law enforcement to minimize risk in high-conflict separations.
The investigation remains ongoing as prosecutors prepare the case. If convicted, Robert Child could face life imprisonment under Washington state law.
