Police: Ogden man who killed woman in grocery store lot shooting has died

Apr 7, 2021, 1:48 PM

News Director

OGDEN, Utah — Ogden police say the man who killed his ex-girlfriend in a shooting in the parking lot of a grocery store last weekend, then shot himself after a standoff with officers a few miles away, has died.

Police reported Tuesday that Seth Gibson, 34, the man they identified as the shooter, had died, though they did not say when he died.

Mindee Elmore, 41, died Saturday as a result of the shooting at the Smith’s grocery store at 1485 S. Harrison Blvd. Her friends and family say the attack, which took place on Easter weekend, may have been timed, as Easter was one of Elmore’s favorite holidays.

“He wanted to prove a point. I’m sure that he [it was her] favorite holiday and he definitely put that into the plan,” Chelsea Griffis told KSL TV.

An Easter weekend shooting in Ogden

Police believe Gibson confronted Elmore in the Smith’s parking lot, before driving to a home roughly four miles away, in the 900 block of Maple Street in Ogden. There, police say they negotiated with Gibson for a number of hours before Gibson shot himself. Rescuers took him to the hospital in critical condition.

According to Griffis, Elmore and Gibson broke up about a year ago. Elmore’s current boyfriend posted a screenshot on his Facebook page appearing to show a message from Gibson before his death. The message reads, “You took Mindee from me. I took her from you.”

Ogden police said the investigation continues. They did not release any additional details.

Griffis encouraged people to talk more openly about domestic violence after the Ogden shooting.

“There needs to be more domestic violence awareness. I think this paints a really clear picture, but — you know? If you see something, say something,” she said.

“A shock for our community”

In a statement, Ogden police expressed sorrow over the events.

“This incident is a shock for our community and specifically the family members that it has impacted,” the statement said.

Elmore’s family also issued a statement Monday, calling her “a loving, caring, independent woman” who “was always laughing and smiling.”

Her friend, Griffis, echoed that sentiment.

“She really brought a light and a – just a fun energy,” Griffis recalled. “She was loving, she was such a good friend.”

Beloved in the community

Griffis worked with Elmore at Andy’s Club, a Greek restaurant in Ogden. The restaurant shared some memories of Elmore on its Facebook page.

“It is with the heaviest of hearts that we share the passing of one of our own. As a result of the horrific events that took place in Ogden Saturday afternoon, Mindee Mastronardi Elmore was tragically and unexpectedly taken from all who loved her on what was supposed to be a beautiful Easter weekend,” the restaurant posted on its Facebook page.

“Easter was her favorite holiday. Her infectious laugh and magnetic smile easily made her a customer favorite. She was so much more than a co-worker, she was a loyal friend who will be forever missed but never forgotten.”

Griffis said Elmore’s laugh was contagious.

“She had this laugh that, you know, the second you heard it, no matter what, no matter how you were feeling, you couldn’t help but to start laughing,” she said.

Domestic violence resources

The Ogden Police Department said anyone affected by the shooting may reach out to their victim advocates. They can call 801-629-8246 or 801-629-8245, Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

The Utah Domestic Violence Coalition operates a confidential statewide, 24-hour domestic abuse hotline at 1-800-897-LINK (5465). Resources are also available online: udvc.org.

People in abusive relationships can get help by contacting: