In a tragic incident in West Valley City, Utah, five family members were found deceased in their home, and a 17-year-old boy was hospitalized with a gunshot wound.
The deceased include two adults—a 42-year-old male and a 38-year-old female—and three children aged 11, 9, and 2. The 17-year-old male, also a family member, was discovered injured in the garage and has been hospitalized with significant injuries. Authorities have not yet determined the exact cause of death for the five individuals.
The discovery occurred after a concerned relative, who had not heard from the family, entered the garage and found the injured teenager, prompting a police response. Officers had previously visited the home after the relative expressed concerns but found no immediate signs of an emergency.
West Valley City Police spokesperson Roxeanne Vainuku described the scene as “absolutely horrific” and noted that it “is something that certainly will weigh heavily on investigators in this case.” Authorities believe the incident is isolated to the home and do not suspect a perpetrator on the loose.
The investigation is ongoing, with police obtaining a search warrant for the home and canvassing the neighborhood for information and any video evidence. Communication with the injured 17-year-old has been challenging due to his condition, hindering the gathering of more details.
This incident has shocked the local commu
nity, and