Investigation into suspected murder-suicide
Authorities have reported that a mother and her 6-year-old son discovered in Utah’s Canyonlands National Park are believed to be victims of a murder-suicide.
Park rangers responded to a call about a vehicle parked improperly on a trail around 8:15 a.m. on Thursday. Upon arrival, they found the child unresponsive inside the car, according to the San Juan County Sheriff’s Office.
The rangers attempted to revive him and transported him to a hospital, where he was pronounced dead upon arrival.
Outside the vehicle, rangers located another individual who was later confirmed to be the boy’s mother.
The child’s father had reported both missing from Colorado just one day prior. The sheriff’s office announced that they are treating the case as a murder-suicide investigation.
No specific cause of death has been disclosed for either individual. Lt. Colby Turk from the sheriff’s office mentioned that the woman exhibited signs of trauma but did not elaborate further.
The sheriff’s office is withholding the names of those involved out of respect for their family. “This is a heartbreaking tragedy, and our thoughts and deepest sympathies are with the family during this incredibly difficult time,” stated officials from San Juan County Sheriff’s Office.
