A quiet neighborhood in West Valley City, Utah, was in shock after five family members were found dead inside their home. The disturbing incident unfolded when a concerned relative, worried about a lack of contact with the family, discovered a 17-year-old boy critically injured. Authorities are now investigating the deaths of the two adults and three children, including a toddler, with investigators working to piece together the tragic circumstances.
A Tragic Beginning of Investigation
The West Valley City Police Department launched an investigation after a family member reported on December 16 about concerns regarding the well-being of the family. They hadn’t heard from the woman who lived in that home and wanted to check on them. Officers went to the address but didn’t receive any response when they knocked on the door. They then spoke to neighbors and observed the property but found no immediate signs of distress. Despite this, officers were unable to make contact with the residents.
The case blew up when, on December 17, the family member decided to check on the situation in person and found the 17-year-old boy severely wounded in the garage. The boy suffered from what appeared to be a gunshot wound and was taken to the hospital. Police have not released his current condition but did describe the injuries as significant, and, as it were, impossible for investigators to immediately communicate with him.
Investigation Unfolds
Inside the house, the bodies of the other five family members were found: a 42-year-old man, a 38-year-old woman, and three children, an 11-year-old boy, a 9-year-old girl, and a 2-year-old girl.
Police have not yet released a cause of death for the victims, but it was said by authorities to be an “absolutely horrific” scene. In saying how the case weighs upon investigators, West Valley City Police Spokesperson Roxeanne Vainuku mentions it struck very deep among all who were involved. Police have heightened the investigation thus far and obtained a warrant to search the residence.
They have also conducted a neighborhood canvass in which they gather information and look at video that could give them some idea of the moments leading up to this tragedy. Police believe it is confined to the home and do not suspect a greater threat to the community.
Community in Shock
The discovery has left the people dumbfounded, with the majority of the residents extremely shocked and grieved with such an unfortunate loss of a family amidst them. The neighbourhood was never known for this; it is now all filled with questions and doubts. While police continue with their investigation, the public awaits answers as to how this could happen within a family’s home.
The police continue to investigate, but for now, they are trying to learn more about the circumstances surrounding both deaths and the injury of the 17-year-old boy. Until then, the city will continue to wait for an answer in the wake of a tragedy that has torn this community apart.
