Homicide suspected after body found in Logan Canyon

LOGAN, Utah — The Cache County Sheriff’s Office announced in a press release that the body found in Logan Canyon yesterday was a victim of homicide.

On Friday, police were called to investigate after a body was found next to the Franklin Basin snowmobile parking lot. Somebody put the body in the parking lot after death, police said.

Police identify the body

Police identified the victim as 77-year-old Dennis Shaw, a Logan resident. Dennis Shaw appears to have been stabbed in the chest with what police describe as a “small, bladed object.”

This morning, detectives with the Sheriff’s Office arrested Clayton Shaw, the son of Dennis Shaw. Police are holding Clayton Shaw in custody on a charge of murder. Police executed several search warrants as detectives gather evidence.

Conflict between father and son

Local records show that Clayton Shaw and Dennis Shaw had been “disputing.” Earlier this summer, Dennis Shaw called Logan City Police to report that Clayton Shaw had threatened to kill him.

Dennis Shaw reported that his son had said “I’m trying to find a way to kill you.”

Shortly after, Dennis Shaw reported that Clayton Shaw had subjected him to domestic violence. That same month, officials evicted Clayton Shaw from a property owned by Dennis Shaw.

An employee of Dennis Shaw, identified only as RE in the police report, said that he and others at their place of work feared that Clayton Shaw would try to harm his father. A female neighbor also reported to police fears over Clayton Shaw’s behavior. The police report states that Clayton Shaw had a history of paranoia and mental episodes.

Police continue to investigate

Upon searching the car of Clayton Shaw, police discovered a knife, peroxide, and blood in his vehicle. Police also found Dennis Shaw’s dog in the car. His employees told law enforcement that he is never without his dog, and that he doesn’t let anyone else take it.

Detectives interviewed Clayton Shaw about the death of his father. Clayton Shaw told police he was supposed to meet with and receive money from his father. He claimed that his father dropped off his dog and promptly left.

As they were interviewing him, detectives observed that Clayton Shaw had fresh cuts on his thumb and fingers. 

The case remains ongoing, and detectives involved in the investigation are asking the public for help. They ask anyone with information about the case, the victim or the suspect to reach out to them. They are also looking for information on Clayton’s black BMW and Dennis’ white Ford F 150. 

Individuals who would like to provide information can call the department at (435) 755-1100. Anonymous tips can be left on the county’s online tip line.

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