‘Our hearts hurt’: Relatives of murdered West Valley family react to tragedy

WEST VALLEY CITY — Bu Meh left her home in Myanmar a decade ago to pursue a better life for herself and her family.

“Over ten years ago, she fled the violent situation 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 her back.” “Since coming to the United States, she taught herself English, learned valuable skills, and worked tirelessly to improve her… to feed a growing family. Her dream was to one day own her own home and live comfortably with her husband and four wonderful children,” according to 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.

“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. Even though the perpetrator of these heinous acts is dead, we know that God’s justice is not dead.”

“Our hearts ache for the loss of life and potential. Bu Meh was a wonderful wife and mother. She brought light to her family “It presents significant hurdles to the well-being and success of her family,” 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 unspeakable 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, his teachings, and his teachings 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 in a state of peace and that they can recover from all their problems, worries and worries,” 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.

Gov. Spencer Cox also addressed the tragedy Thursday during his monthly news conference.

“These are tragedies of the worst kind, especially at this time of year, and that is why we sympathize with these extended family members, with the 17-year-old who I learned this morning is in a stable condition. But we still don’t.” “You know, you know how the play is going to end,” he said. “And once again an appeal to everyone out there who is struggling: please seek help. Please never take this out on your family.”

“Whatever it is, I don’t know the details. I don’t know if we know the details of what happened there, but it was just a devastating time for everyone in the West Valley and across our state.”

Contributor: Logan Stefanich

*KSL.com does not guarantee that funds deposited into the account will be used for the benefit of the persons named as beneficiaries. If you are considering making a deposit into the Account, you should consult your own advisors and otherwise proceed at your own risk.