A Utah man fatally shot his family of seven in a home Wednesday and then killed himself, authorities said.
According to a statement from Enoch City in southwestern Utah, Michael Haight, 42, his wife; Tausha Haight, 40, and mother of Tausha; Gail Earl, 78, was discovered dead at the North Albert Drive home. The couple’s five youngest children, ranging in age from 4 to 17, also died.
The statement described Michael Haight as a «suspect.»
“While this intensive investigation is ongoing, investigators currently believe there are no outstanding suspects. Evidence suggests the suspect took his own life after killing seven other people in the home,» the statement said.
The minor children were only identified by their ages and sexes as a 17-year-old female, a 12-year-old female, a 7-year-old female, a 7-year-old male, and a 4-year-old boy. old male.
Police were called to the home around 4 p.m. for a wellness check by concerned family and friends, according to the Thursday statement.
Enoch City is about 180 miles northeast of Las Vegas.
Enoch City Manager Rob Dotson had said in a video statement that the community is hurting.
“We all know this family, many of us have served with them in church, in the community, and gone to school with these people, so this community is suffering right now,” he said.
The Iron County School District said the five children were students there, according to a letter addressed to parents and guardians in the district.
“This loss is sure to raise many emotions, concerns, and questions for our entire school district, especially our students,” the letter said.
The district added that a crisis intervention team would be available to students.
On twitterUtah Gov. Spencer Cox called the violence «senseless» and asked people to keep Enoch in their prayers.
Haight’s relatives could not immediately be reached Thursday. Neighbors were not hit either.
If you or someone you know is in crisis, please call 988 to reach the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. You can also call the network, formerly known as the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, at 800-273-8255text HOME to 741741 or visit TalkingSuicide.com/resources for additional resources.
phil helsell Y Todd Miyazawa contributed.