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The suspect in the murders of three Utah women was arrested in the early hours of March 5, ending a multi-state manhunt but putting the community on edge as residents were urged to lock their doors and stay indoors.
The Utah Department of Public Safety said the women were found dead in separate locations in Wayne County in the state’s south on March 4 and are working with local law enforcement in the investigation.
On the afternoon of March 4, authorities received a report that two women’s bodies had been found on a hiking trail. A third woman was found dead at a home in the county. According to police, the women are in their 30s, 60s, and 80s. Officials have not said why they believe the deaths in separate locations are related.
The suspects fled in one of the victims’ cars through southern Utah, into Arizona, and eventually to Pagosa Springs, Colorado, where authorities said they found the abandoned vehicle. After a search, the suspect was safely located and taken into custody, the Ministry of Public Security said. His identity and the identity of the victim have not been released.
Authorities continue to investigate and process crime scenes in the Lyman and Torrey areas of Wayne County.
“There is no ongoing threat to the public and investigators have no outstanding suspects,” the ministry said.
The Department of Public Safety and the Wayne County Sheriff’s Office previously asked the community in Torrey and surrounding areas to remain vigilant while the suspect remains at large.
The sheriff’s office announced late on March 4, “In response to recent incidents in Wayne County today, WCSO is asking all residents to take extra precautions, keep their lights on, doors locked, and stay home or with others if possible tonight.”
Authorities in neighboring Garfield County also asked residents to lock their doors on March 4, but said they had no reason to believe the suspect had traveled to the county and later said they believed there was “no longer a threat to our area.”
The Wayne County School District announced it would close schools on March 5 and 6 “out of an abundance of caution and concern for the safety of our students and the public,” and local health clinics would also close on March 5.
