Tragedy struck in Utah as five family members, including three children, were discovered dead in their home on Tuesday. Another family member, a 17-year-old, was found with a gunshot wound and taken to the hospital, according to the West Valley City Police Department spokesperson, Roxeanne Vainuku.
The deceased individuals included two adults, an 11-year-old boy, and two girls aged 9 and 2. The cause of their deaths remains unknown at this time.
The grim discovery was made in West Valley City, located about 9 miles southwest of Salt Lake City. The injured teenager was found in the garage.
Vainuku described the situation as “absolutely horrific” and emphasized the gravity of the investigation. Authorities believe that the incident was isolated to the family’s residence and do not suspect a perpetrator at large.
Due to the 17-year-old’s hospitalization, communication with him has been challenging, hindering the gathering of more information, Vainuku explained.
A concerned relative contacted the police after being unable to reach the 38-year-old woman living in the house. When officers initially visited the residence, no one answered. They returned the following day after the same relative found the injured teenager in the garage.
Law enforcement officials are conducting a thorough investigation inside the home, interviewing neighbors, and collecting evidence from sources such as doorbell cameras, Vainuku stated.
By Hallie Golden
