Taylorsville man believed to have been abducted found dead, two teens arrested
Mar 19, 2024, 2:30 PM | Updated: 4:48 pm
(Taylorsville Police Department)
(Taylorsville Police Department)
TAYLORSVILLE, Utah — A man believed to have been abducted over the weekend in Taylorsville has been found dead in a remote part of Utah County, according to police. Subsequently, Taylorsville Police arrested a 15-year-old and a 17-year-old in relation to the death, which they are now treating as a homicide.
During a press conference about the case, TVPD Lt. Aaron Cheshire said they found Alex Franco dead in western Lehi on Tuesday from an apparent gunshot wound.
The 21-year-old Taylorsville man was last seen alive Sunday afternoon when witnesses saw him get into a white Jeep. The car picked Franco up in an area close to his home.
Police think Franco got into the Jeep willingly.
They also believe there were people inside the Jeep besides the two teens that police arrested. Cheshire said Franco knew at least one person in the car but didn’t share any other details.
Cheshire said witnesses reported the sound of a gunshot almost immediately after Franco got into the car.
Police found the Jeep in question on Monday in Salt Lake County, according to Cheshire. The discovery helped lead to the arrest of two teenage boys.
The relationship between the boys and Franco isn’t clear.
According to Cheshire, police believe one of the two teens fired the gun and shot Franco. Police have not yet found the weapon. Cheshire did not say which of the two teens was the shooter.
The teenagers are now in custody at the Salt Lake Valley Detention Center. They face accusations of multiple felonies related to Franco’s murder.
An investigation continues.
