A devastating event unfolded in West Valley City, Utah, when five family members, including three children, were found dead in their home on Tuesday. A 17-year-old was also discovered with a gunshot wound and was immediately transported to a nearby hospital. The victims were identified as two adults and three children, ages 11, 9, and 2, according to Roxeanne Vainuku, a representative for the West Valley City Police Department. The circumstances surrounding their deaths remain uncertain.
The family lived in West Valley City, a community located about nine miles southwest of Salt Lake City. The injured teenager was discovered in the house’s garage. Vainuku referred to the incident as “absolutely horrific,” acknowledging the emotional impact it would have on the investigators assigned to the case.
The police were first alerted to the situation by a family member who had been unable to contact the 38-year-old woman residing in the house. Officers visited the residence on Monday but received no response. The same family member found the injured teenager in the garage on Tuesday afternoon, which led to a second police visit.
Authorities have dismissed the possibility of a suspect at large, suggesting that the shooting was a confined incident within the house. However, communication with the injured 17-year-old has been challenging due to his hospitalization, complicating efforts to gather more information about the incident.
The police are actively investigating the scene and have been interviewing neighbors for any potential leads. They are also examining evidence from sources such as doorbell cameras. The tragic incident has left the community in shock, and the investigation is ongoing.