Body in truck identified as John Careaga

Sheriff asks for help from the FBI, ATF, and Washington State Patrol

SEABECK — The body found in a burned Ford 150 pickup on Jan. 29 has been identified as John D. Careaga, 43.

The Kitsap County Sheriffs’ Office reported late Jan. 31 that the coroner’s office had identified the remains.

Careaga is one of four people killed in what detectives believe was not a random act. The other victims: Christale Lynn Careaga, 37; Johnathon F. Higgins, 16; and Hunter E. Schaap, 16.

Detectives are following up on the many leads received, interviewing subjects and collecting evidence. The sheriff has asked for assistance from the FBI, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco & Fireams (ATF), and the Washington State Patrol Crime Lab.

In order to not compromise the investigation, specific details can’t be released, the department reported.

“This vicious crime of murdering a family, including two teenagers, is difficult to comprehend for everyone,” the department stated on its Facebook page. “Our thoughts go out to our entire community affected by this tragic loss.”

Tags: ,