Community Police & Fire
City arts commissioners, local volunteer among those killed in Key Peninsula stabbing
Two of the five people killed near Wauna on the Key Peninsula last week were members of the city of Gig Harbor Arts Commission. Another was a volunteer with Visit Gig Harbor.
The Pierce County Medical Examiner’s Office last week identified the five who died during the incident on Tuesday, Feb. 24. They include:
Stephanie Killilea, 67, a member of the city’s volunteer Arts Commission.
Joanne Kathleen Brandani, 59, also a member of the Arts Commission.
Louise Sandra Talley, 81, identified in social media posts as a former volunteer for Visit Gig Harbor.
Zoya Anatolyevna Shabliykina, 52.
Aleksandr Aleksandro Shablykin, 32.
A Pierce County Superior Court commissioner granted Shabliykina a protection order against her son, Shablykin, in May 2025. The Feb. 24 incident was first dispatched as a protection order violation.
The Medical Examiner lists homicide as the manner of death for all five people. Killilea, Brandani, Talley and Shabliykina died due to “multiple sharp force injuries,” according to the Medical Examiner.
Shablykin died of multiple gunshot wounds.
The Pierce County Sheriff’s Office previously said that a deputy shot and killed a suspect after responding to 911 reports of a stabbing with multiple victims.
The Pierce County Force Investigation Team is investigating the incident that occurred at a home on 87th Avenue Court NW near Lake Kathryn. The team investigates deadly force incidents involving law enforcement officers.
City reacts to loss of arts commissioners
The city of Gig Harbor issued a statement on Monday, March 2, acknowledging the loss of Killilea and Brandani.
“This loss is one that our whole community feels and leaves a void that reflects the depth of their service,” Mayor Mary Barber said in the statement. “These women were mentors, neighbors, and friends whose kindness and steady leadership made a meaningful difference. They were dedicated champions of the arts, and their service has strengthened our community in lasting ways.”
“Learning that two of the victims of last week’s tragedy on the Key Peninsula were Gig Harbor Arts Commissioners was completely heartbreaking news,” City Administrator Katrina Knutson said in the statement. “Their selflessness, demonstrated in the face of such senseless violence, is a testament to their love for this community and their instinct to serve, even in the most unimaginable circumstances. Our entire community grieves this loss.
Vigils for those killed
Two candlelight vigils are planned to honor the victims.
Community members will gather at Skansie Park, 3211 Harborview Dr., from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, March 4.
Another group is organizing a vigil outside the Local Boys in Purdy from 3 to 4 p.m. Saturday, March 7.