Washington Man Accused of Stabbing Roommates, Setting Fire to Trap Them After Texting Dad About Killing People

TACOMA, WASHINGTON — A man living at a sober living home in the Tacoma area is facing multiple attempted murder charges after police say he stabbed his housemates, set a fire intended to trap residents upstairs, and warned his father via text messages that he was “going to kill some people.”

According to charging documents and local court records, Andrew Cole Keen, 29, has been charged with three counts of second-degree attempted murder and one count of first-degree arson. Keen pleaded not guilty this week and is currently being held on $1 million bail, according to local media reports.

Early-Morning Attack at Sober Living Home

The incident unfolded just before dawn Tuesday at a residence in the 4000 block of South 34th Street in Tacoma. Authorities said the home is a registered sober living facility, housing several adult residents at the time of the attack.

Investigators said Keen had moved into the house only three days earlier. Court documents indicate that during that short time, his mental health appeared to deteriorate after he stopped taking prescribed medication.

According to police, Keen began accusing another resident of stealing something “intangible” from him, including claims that the person had taken his emotions or thoughts.

Housemate Wakes to Shouts, Stabbing, and Fire

At approximately 4 a.m., one resident woke up to yelling inside the house. According to court records, the witness soon realized another housemate was on the phone with 911, screaming that he had been stabbed and that the house was on fire.

The witness ran downstairs and reported seeing flames reaching from floor to ceiling near the living room bunk beds.

Court documents state the residents immediately believed Keen was responsible, a suspicion that was quickly confirmed as the situation escalated.

Victims Escape as Fire Spreads

Authorities said one resident managed to escape through an upstairs window, while another was described as being fully engulfed in flames while fleeing the home.

Investigators believe Keen set multiple fires, igniting mattresses and a pile of clothing at the bottom of the stairs. Police said the placement of the fires appeared deliberate and designed to trap residents upstairs.

Local television footage later captured the chaos at the scene, including burned furniture and smoke damage throughout the home.

Father Receives Chilling Messages Before Attack

Police said Keen’s father, who was outside Washington state at the time, contacted authorities after receiving text and social media messages from his son.

According to investigators, the messages stated that Keen was “going to jail tonight” because he was “going to kill some people.”

Those messages were reported to law enforcement shortly before the attack was discovered.

Suspect Found Nearby With Fire-Starting Tools

When officers responded to the scene, they searched the surrounding area and located Keen at a nearby 7-Eleven.

Police said Keen was carrying matches and a lighter and had a cut on his hand. When officers asked how the fire started, he allegedly smiled, according to arrest documents.

Keen was taken into custody without further incident.

Three Victims Hospitalized, One Critical

Authorities confirmed that three men were transported to the hospital following the attack. One victim suffered severe injuries and was listed in critical condition, officials said.

The extent of the other victims’ injuries has not been fully disclosed, but police confirmed they were consistent with stab wounds and fire-related trauma.

Fire crews extinguished the blaze, and the residence was secured as investigators processed the scene.

Charges and Court Proceedings

Prosecutors filed charges shortly after Keen’s arrest, citing the severity of the alleged actions and the premeditated nature suggested by the messages sent to his father.

Keen pleaded not guilty during his initial court appearance. He remains in custody at the Pierce County Jail while awaiting further proceedings.

Authorities have not said whether additional charges could be filed as the investigation continues.

As Tacoma officials continue to assess the damage and recovery for victims of this attack, the case has raised renewed concerns about safety, mental health monitoring, and emergency response in shared living environments. For continued updates on major criminal cases, public safety investigations, and court proceedings from Washington and across the country, visit ChicagoMusicGuide.com.