A quiet rural county in the U.S. state of Utah has been thrown into fear and lockdown after three women were found dead in what authorities are treating as a possible triple homicide, triggering a massive manhunt and the closure of schools and public institutions.
The bodies were discovered on Wednesday in Wayne County, a sparsely populated area in south-central Utah with fewer than 3,000 residents. Two of the victims were found along a hiking trail near the small town of Torrey, while investigators later located a third woman dead at a residence elsewhere in the county.
Authorities say the victims were women aged in their 30s, 60s, and 80s, but their identities have not yet been publicly released as officials work to notify family members.
A quiet tourist area suddenly on edge
The normally peaceful county sits near several famous natural attractions, including Capitol Reef National Park and Canyonlands National Park, which attract hikers and outdoor enthusiasts from across the United States.
But on Wednesday afternoon, that calm was shattered when dispatchers received a call reporting two women found dead on a hiking trail, according to the Utah Department of Public Safety. As investigators processed the scene, they discovered a third victim at a nearby home, turning the case into a multi-scene homicide investigation.
Authorities have not yet disclosed how the women died, whether they knew each other, or what the possible motive might be.
Massive manhunt across several counties
Police have launched a multi-county search operation across southern and central Utah, warning that the suspect may still be on the run. Residents in Torrey and nearby communities have been urged to stay vigilant, lock their doors, and report suspicious activity.
Investigators are asking the public for help locating a white 2022 Subaru Outback with Utah license plate U560YF, which they believe may be connected to the case. Authorities stressed that anyone who spots the vehicle should not approach it but immediately call 911.
Schools, courts, and businesses shut down
The fear spreading through the rural community prompted local officials to take extraordinary precautions. The Wayne County School District announced that all schools would remain closed for the rest of the week to protect students and staff while the suspect remains at large.
Local authorities also closed several government offices and institutions, including the county courthouse in the town of Loa, as police continue searching the area.
Officials said counselors will be available for students once schools reopen next week.
Multiple crime scenes and unanswered questions
Investigators are currently processing several locations connected to the case, suggesting that the events may have unfolded across different sites.
For now, many key questions remain unanswered:
- Are the three victims connected?
- Did the killings happen at the same time or separately?
- Is the suspect still in the area?
Authorities say the investigation is rapidly evolving, and additional details will be released once confirmed.
