WVCPD: 5 found dead in West Valley City home, likely victims of murder-suicide; Father apparently shooter, 17-year-old son fights for his life

WEST VALLEY CITY, Utah, December 18, 2024 (Gephardt Daily) – Police say five family members found dead in a West Valley City home on Tuesday were victims of an apparent murder-suicide, and the father was likely the one Protect.

A 17-year-old son who was found seriously injured in the house’s garage was also said to have been shot by his father.

Investigators base their preliminary determination on the discovery of a small handgun that was found under the father.

“We believe this was the weapon used in the shooting. However, ballistics and forensic analysis will definitively resolve this,” said West Valley City spokeswoman Roxeanne Vainuku.

“This is our initial determination that the father probably shot all family members and then himself. However, we must wait for confirmation from ballistic and forensic evidence to make a final determination.”

The sole survivor of the incident, the family’s 17-year-old son, suffered a severe brain injury from a shot in the head, Vainuku told reporters, and was unable to communicate.

Vainuku said the family’s 38-year-old mother was found dead in an upstairs bedroom with their two daughters, ages 2 and 9. The father, 45 years old, was found downstairs in the living room with the family’s younger son 11. Both were dead.

Vainuku said it is believed the family’s older son was able to get to the garage from the original filming location.

“We don’t believe he was shot in the garage.”

The names of deceased family members will not be released until family members can be notified.

“It is our process to properly notify next of kin before releasing the names of the victims.”

The shooting is believed to have occurred later Friday evening or in the early hours of Saturday morning, Vainuku said.

A member of the extended family initially contacted the police and asked for assistance with a welfare check. Vainuku said no one answered the door and officers found no visible signs of crime and neighbors heard nothing unusual.

When the same extended family member, who was used to being in close contact with the mother of the family, returned to the house after the woman failed to show up for work, she was able to enter through the apartment’s garage door and found the 17-year-old son The family is lying in the garage with serious injuries.

Police responded and found the five bodies, Vainuku said at a news conference Tuesday evening. After obtaining a search warrant, a more extensive investigation was launched inside the apartment.

Vainuku said autopsies will be conducted to confirm the cause of death of the family members and investigators hope additional information can be gleaned from the detailed examinations.

The family had no history of police involvement at the home, Vainuku said, adding that their only contact with police appeared to be to report a loud party on the street at some point.

“There is no history of domestic violence. There was no notice whatsoever and we really have no motive.”

If you or someone you know is thinking about suicide, call 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. It provides free, confidential 24/7 support to people in need, including prevention and crisis resources for you or your loved ones. To speak to a trained listener, call 988.

The Crisis TEXT Line is an SMS service for emotional crisis support. To contact a trained listener, text HELLO to 741741. The message is also free, available 24/7 and confidential.

Talking to someone about your thoughts and feelings can save your life.