Utah Murders Rock US as 5 Minors, 3 Adults Found Dead Inside Home; Police Say No Threat to Public for Now

Three people and five children were discovered dead inside a residence on Wednesday, according to police in Enoch, Utah.

According to a news statement by Enoch authorities, the eight people were discovered during a welfare check at a residence on Albert Drive, and each of them looked to have suffered gunshot wounds, according to Fox News.

Following a welfare check in the 4900 block of Albert Drive in Enoch, Utah, police reportedly discovered three adults and five children dead from apparent gunshot wounds in the Utah killings.

"Officers examined the house and discovered three adults and five youngsters dead inside the home," the statement said. It added that authorities believe there is no danger to public safety at the moment. Moreover, police said that the investigation is ongoing and that additional details would be released at a later date, per Reuters.

Officials from the Enoch Police Department were unavailable for comment, and no other details were provided about the Utah murders.

A Community in Agony

Rob Dotson, the city manager of Enoch in southern Utah, stated that the news of the Utah killings shocked the community. All of the victims were members of the same family and were well-known there.

Dotson remarked in a video released on Wednesday night, many have "served" with the victims "in church, in the community, and school."

"This community is suffering anguish," Dotson said, adding that the people have lots of questions regarding the Utah murders. He also noted that many law enforcement organizations are collaborating on the investigation, which might take days.

Dotson, who became emotional at one point, stated, "We won't know the mindsets, the thoughts, of the persons who suffered this tragedy." They hope that the victims' families, neighbors, and everybody will learn the truth about what happened.

Tragedy Leaves Lots of Questions and Concerns For Schools

An official letter to parents revealed that all five students were enrolled in the Iron County School District.
Per CBS News, the letter stated, "It is with profound sadness that we notify you about a devastating loss to our school community. This afternoon, on Jan. 4, eight members of a family residing in Enoch with five students in our schools tragically passed away."

The letter further indicated that the whole school district and the students will be deeply affected by the Utah murders, which will raise many questions and concerns that need to be addressed.

Dotson said it was standard procedure for officers to do welfare checks based on reports to the department when someone wasn't seen for an extended time, such as in this case.

Enoch City, with a population of roughly 8,000, lies in southwestern Utah, about 250 miles (400 km) south of Salt Lake City. It is along Interstate 15 in rural Utah, about north of the metropolis of Cedar City and roughly 80 miles west of Bryce Canyon National Park, which suffered catastrophic floods in 2021 that destroyed hundreds of houses.

On Twitter late Wednesday, Utah Governor Spencer Cox expressed sympathy for all who had been devastated by the Utah murders.

"Please keep the community of Enoch in your prayers," Gov. Cox tweeted.

Tags

Utah, Crime, United States