“Multiple arrests” in deaths of missing teens
Mar 29, 2018, 9:37 AM | Updated: 1:39 pm
Investigators work to recover two bodies from a mine shaft near Eureka, March 28, 2018.
EUREKA — Juab County officials say “multiple arrests” have been made in the deaths of two missing Eureka teens who never made it home from a Tooele County trip.
Jail documents released Thursday say 41-year-old Jerrod W. Baum found the two teenagers after they visited his live-in girlfriend at the couple’s home. He’s accused of tying them up in the back of their own Jeep.
BREAKING: Suspect in kidnapping and murders of Riley and Breezy is Jerrod Baum of Eureka. Follow @KSL5TV for the latest on this arrest. pic.twitter.com/yizDtxvipR
— Sam Penrod (@KSLsampenrod) March 29, 2018
Utah County Sheriff’s officials say Baum drove 18-year-old Riley Powell and 17-year-old Brelynne “Breezy” Otteson out to a nearby abandoned mine site near Eureka, about 75 miles south of Salt Lake City, where he stabbed them and dumped their bodies down a mine shaft.
Jerrod William Baum, age 41, of Eureka, has been arrested on charges: Aggravated murder & Agg Kidnapping & abuse of dead human body, all x 2. Also obstructing justice, witness tampering, and possession of dangerous weapon by restricted person. More details to@follow.
— Spencer Cannon (@SGTCannonPIO) March 29, 2018
Their bodies were found Wednesday, nearly three months after they were reported to have disappeared on their way home.
Baum is being held on suspicion of aggravated murder and other charges. His attorney did not immediately return a call seeking comment.
Investigators planned to say more about at least one additional arrest later in the day Thursday.
