Utah investigators have arrested a triple-homicide suspect after three women were found dead.
“We have received confirmation that a suspect in the Wayne County homicides was captured early this morning,” read a Facebook post shared by the Wayne County, Utah Sheriff's Office on March 5. “The suspect is in law enforcement custody. We greatly appreciate all our law enforcement and investigation partners, and all of our citizens who provided tips and assisted in the process.”
Police found the suspect in one of the victim's cars, read a press release sent to Oxygen.com by the Utah Department of Public Safety (DPS).
"The vehicle was tracked through southern Utah into northern Arizona and eventually into Colorado,” read the release. "Colorado law enforcement located the vehicle abandoned in Pagosa Springs, Colorado, and after a brief search, took the individual into custody without incident. There are no ongoing threats to the public, and investigators have no outstanding suspects."
Earlier that day, authorities had ordered residents to stay at home and watch their surroundings after three women were found dead—two on a hiking trail and one in a residence—on March 4.
Although police will not release the identities of the victims until their next of kin is notified, one is in her 30s, another in their 60s and the third in their 80s.
“Take extra precautions,” read an earlier Facebook post from the Wayne County, Utah Sheriff's Office. “Keep lights on, keep doors locked, remain home or with others this evening if possible.”
Police had focused their efforts on the small town of Torrey—close to the entrance of Capital Reef National Park—and its surrounding areas, as they searched for a 2022 white Subaru Outback with the license plate U560YF.
The Wayne County School District, home to four schools (two elementary, one middle and one high school) announced closures on March 5 and March 6, “out of an abundance of caution.”
Wayne County, according to the U.S. Census, is a rural home to less than 3,000 people, covering the southwestern part of Utah. Located in the Colorado Plateau, the desert environment is dotted with rock formations, cliffs and canyons.
