‘Our hearts hurt’: Relatives of a murdered Utah family react to the tragedy

WEST VALLEY CITY (KSL.com) – Bu Meh left her home in Myanmar a decade ago to start a better life for herself and her family.

“Over ten years ago, she fled violence in her home country of Myanmar, where her people were being ethnically cleansed by the government. She came to the United States with her husband and young family with little more than the clothes on their backs. Since coming to the United States, she taught herself English, learned valuable skills, and worked tirelessly to support her growing family. “Her dream was to one day own her own home and live comfortably with her husband and four wonderful children,” said Meh’s extended family.

That dream ended over the weekend when Meh, her two daughters and two sons were shot by her husband and father, according to police.

Those killed include:

• Bu Meh, 38, mother
• Boe Reh, 11, son
• Kristina Ree, 8, daughter
• Nyay Meh, 2, daughter

17-year-old Sha Reh was found alive in the garage after being shot in the head and is being treated for a traumatic brain injury.

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“He has a long and complex road to recovery ahead of him. He needs our full attention, our unconditional love and the Savior’s gifts of healing and peace,” the family said.

On Thursday, police released the names of the victims of the tragic family shooting. Dae Rah, 42, allegedly shot and killed his wife and four children at their home, 3761 S. Oxford Way, sometime over the weekend before killing himself.

“Like all of you, we were shocked to learn of the tragic and untimely deaths of four of our family members at the hands of their husband and father. We condemn all forms of abuse and violence, especially abuse and violence against innocent women and children,” Meh’s sister Neh Meh K’Chawtee and members of Meh’s extended family said in a prepared statement on Thursday.

A GoFundMe campaign was organized by Michele Schmidt of West Valley City, who released the statement on behalf of the family.

“Funds donated will be used to support Sha Reh on his complex road to recovery. He needs access to resources to cover funeral, medical and future expenses, including funds to help him reach his goal of attending college,” the fundraiser states.

“Our family is working with local law enforcement to better understand the motive behind these senseless acts of violence. Although the perpetrator of these heinous acts is deceased, we know that God’s justice is not dead.

“Our hearts hurt at the loss of life and potential. Bu Meh was a beautiful wife and mother. She brought light to her family. She worked hard to provide for them and meet their needs. As a refugee and immigrant woman, she faced significant hurdles to her family’s well-being and success,” the family said. “After moving into their own home and finally enjoying a prosperity that went far beyond the nightmare of their former country or the refugee camp in Thailand where they lived for a time, deprived for reasons we could not understand her husband, her and…”her children from this security and their life.”

However, the family says they do not want to delve into the circumstances of their loved one’s death.

“As a family we felt an indescribable peace. We have more questions than answers, but our faith and trust in a living God and in His Son Jesus Christ sustain us. At this time of year we commemorate the birth of our Savior Jesus Christ. His life, teachings, and doctrine are the “good news” we all celebrate. We believe with all our hearts that our loved ones have returned to the God who gave them life. We know that they are in a state of peace and that they are recovering from all their worries, worries and concerns,” the GoFundMe page reads.

The family says a celebration of life for their loved ones will be announced soon. Family members also urged anyone in distress or experiencing abuse from a family member or caregiver to call the Utah Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-897-LINK (5465).

And if anyone is thinking about self-harm they are urged to call or text the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline on 988.

“There is healing. There is peace. Violence is never the answer and never a solution,” the family said.