Fourth in custody in connection to 17-year-old shot, killed in car near Cedar City, police say

CEDAR CITY, Utah — The Iron County Sheriff’s Office say Four people have been taken into custody in connection to a shooting on Friday that lead to the death of a 17-year-old.

Iron County Sheriff, Ken Carpenter said around 10:42 p.m. at the intersection of Midvalley Road and 4300 W, a person shot at two young women who were out for a drive. The driver later died from her injuries. 

“Tragically, despite [deputies and medical personnel] efforts, the young driver succumbed to her injuries shortly after arrival [to the hospital],” a news release said.

The passenger received a leg injury but it’s so far unclear how she sustained that injury. The passenger is the one who called 9-1-1.

According to police, investigators with the sheriff’s office were able to find evidence that the young women were being followed by a car before the shooting.

“Preliminary investigations reveal that the victim’s vehicle was being pursued by an unknown assailant’s vehicle for several miles,” the news release said. “During this pursuit, the assailant’s vehicle pulled alongside the victim’s and opened fire, striking the driver.”

Police said the 17-year-old also lost control of her car, crashing it through a vinyl fence off of the intersection where the shooting occurred.

“Our heartfelt condolences go out to the family and friends of the young woman who lost her life during this tragic act of violence. We would also like to express our gratitude to the Cedar City Police, Enoch City Police, the Department of Public Safety, the Cedar City Fire Department, and the responding personnel of Gold Cross Ambulance for their assistance,” said the press release. 

According to Carpenter, so far police have been able to recover a bullet casing and are working on enhancing dash cam footage. 

“Our hearts go out to the families of these two young ladies. They weren’t doing anything they were just being teenagers having fun. And someone violently attacked them and ended their life for no apparent reason at this point,” Carpenter said. “We are dedicated to finding them. We are coming after them and we will hold them accountable when we find them.” 

Midvalley Road will be closed until a full investigation of the area is complete. 

Officers advise anyone who lives on or has a business on Lund Highway or Midvalley Road to check their surveillance cameras for footage related to the incident. Those with information can call 435-867-7500 or Cedar Dispatch non-emergency number at 435-586-9445.

“The sheriff’s office is actively investigating the incident and seeking public assistance,” the news release said. “Between 10:15 p.m. and 11 p.m., we urge anyone who may have witnessed a small red pickup truck bring closely followed by a dark-colored truck or SUV on Lund Highway between 1600 North and Midvalley Road or heading west on Midvalley Road towards the Three Peaks Campground area to come forward.”

According to Carpenter, by Saturday afternoon three people had been taken into custody. Later that same evening a fourth one was also taken into custody.

This story may be updated as more information becomes available.

Kennedy Camarena is a digital content producer for KSL NewsRadio. 

Diana Jones also contributed to this story.