In the quiet community of Hoodsport, Washington, the life of 46-year-old Anna Child was tragically cut short on March 24, 2026, in an act of domestic violence that also claimed the life of 46-year-old Jason Hilde. A beloved mother, daughter, sister, and friend, Anna was known for a smile that could light up a room and a contagious laugh that brought warmth to those around her.
She was a graduate of Shelton High School and an ambitious business owner, respected and valued within her community.
The events that led to her death began to unfold in the weeks prior. Anna and her husband, 60-year-old Robert T. Child, were in the process of a divorce. Feeling unsafe, Anna sought legal protection and filed for a restraining order against him on March 9. In her petition, she expressed her fear, stating that her husband had told her, "If he can't have me, no one will." A judge granted the protection order on March 23, but it had not yet been served to Robert Child. The very next day, a neighbor called 911 around 7 p.m. to report a shooting.
Upon arriving at the residence on Hamma Hamma Drive, Mason County Sheriff's deputies discovered a grim scene. Jason Hilde was found deceased just inside the front door with a gunshot wound to the head. Anna Child was found on a stairway with fatal gunshot injuries. A shotgun was located near the front door. Witnesses reported seeing Robert Child at the scene, armed with a shotgun, and hearing him ask for someone inside before gunshots rang out. Another witness claimed to have seen him fleeing in a white pickup truck, allegedly stating that he would not go back to jail and would kill anyone who came after him.
A manhunt for Robert Child ensued, lasting nearly 24 hours. Thanks to a tip from the public, law enforcement located and arrested him without incident at a gas station outside of Shelton on March 25. He was charged with two counts of first-degree murder and one count of first-degree burglary. During his initial court appearance, his bail was set at $5 million. Robert T. Child, who has a prior felony conviction making it illegal for him to possess a firearm, pleaded not guilty to the charges. The case is now moving through the Mason County Superior Court.
