Teen Allegedly Stabs Father and Cuts Mother’s Throat After Easter Argument in Vancouver

A 19-year-old is in custody following a violent dispute over religious beliefs in Vancouver, WA.

A 19-year-old woman from Vancouver is facing attempted murder charges after a disturbing family incident on Easter Sunday allegedly escalated from a disagreement about religion into a violent knife attack on both her parents.

McKenzy Haferwas arrested on April 20, 2025, after officers responded to a 911 call around 5:40 p.m. at the family’s home. When officers arrived, they found McKenzy outside the house and placed her into custody without further incident. Inside the home, officers discovered both of her parents with injuries consistent with knife wounds.

According to the official police report, McKenzy lived at the residence with her father, Benjamin Hafer, her mother, Erin Hetzler, and her brother, Dakota Hafer. The situation reportedly spiraled out of control following a comment made by Benjamin wishing his daughter a “Happy Resurrection Day.” McKenzy allegedly responded by saying she did not believe in God, which sparked an argument between the two.

Later, while cooking in the kitchen, McKenzy was confronted by her mother about the earlier exchange. The conversation escalated, frustratingly prompting McKenzy to throw her phone on the ground. When her father entered the kitchen to investigate the noise, police say McKenzy grabbed a kitchen knife and stabbed him above the belly button with the stated intent to kill.

According to the report, Erin began screaming after witnessing the stabbing. McKenzy allegedly then turned to her mother and used the same knife to cut her throat, again with the intent to kill.

Both parents survived the attack and were treated for their injuries. Officers confirmed their wounds were consistent with the account McKenzy allegedly gave during her interview.

McKenzy Hafer was booked and formally charged with two counts of attempted murder in the second degree. She remains in custody while the case proceeds through the court system.

Authorities have not released further details regarding McKenzy’s mental health history or whether prior domestic issues had been reported in the household. The investigation is ongoing.