SEABECK, Wash. — Surveillance footage from a convenience store in Seabeck shows one of four murder victims just hours before the rest of his family was found murdered in his home.
John Careaga was seen on surveillance video at Camp Union Grocery Friday night at 9 p.m. The manager of the store told KIRO 7 Careaga had purchased a pack of cigarettes. Another store employee said he was a frequent customer and someone everyone knew and loved.
He and his wife, Christale Careaga, had a step-family, according to the Kitsap County Sheriff’s Office. She and two teen boys were found dead in their burned house after a 911 call late Friday night.
Det. Lt. Earl Smith said the department is investigating their deaths as homicides.
John Careaga was found dead Sunday in Mason County in his pickup truck. The truck had been burned.
Smith said, “He was a victim himself of murder so we don’t believe he was the one that was responsible for any of the killings, because he too was a victim of the murders.”
Smith played the end of the 911 call in which the caller gave the address and told dispatchers to "come now."
The Kitsap County Sheriff’s Office is now able to use the surveillance images to narrow down the timeline of events. Detectives still need the public to call in tips and share any video facing relevant streets.
The department’s Facebook post reads: “Detectives are requesting additional assistance from citizens who live on Holly Road, Lake Tahuyeh Road, Sandhill Road and Seabeck-Holly Road (or general area) that may have any video facing the roadway between 7:00 PM on Friday (01-27-2017) and 2:00 PM on Sunday (01-29-2017) to contact Detective Lissa Gundrum at 360-337-5669.”
Calls can remain anonymous.
Patrons of Juanito’s Taco Shop in Bremerton, which was owned by the Careagas, recall their hospitality.
“Every visit is a warm, inviting experience. You’re met with the happiest, warmest smile, and a handshake.
John will come out – would come out from behind the kitchen and shake your hand,” said Shawn Pritchard, who was a regular customer.
Pritchard said his family got to know the Careagas, who would often tell stories of how they moved to the area from San Diego and were huge sports fans.
He called the murders “heartbreaking” and “crushing” since the family had treated others so well.
“If you were to walk in the door on any given day, you wouldn’t have guessed that there were any problems or anything that would lead to this,” Pritchard said.