Father killed child, himself in Tremonton murder-suicide, police say

TREMONTON — Police announced Tuesday that a Tremonton father killed his child before killing himself in a murder-suicide earlier this month.

On Dec. 16, police reported that they responded to a “tragic incident involving a child” in Tremonton, but no details were released at the time and police would not confirm that any deaths had occurred.

On Tuesday, Tremonton-Garland Police Chief Dustin Cordova announced in a statement that the incident was a murder-suicide where a father and a child were found dead. Cordova said he would not be releasing “identifying details,” but did not explain why he wouldn’t identify a murder suspect and a homicide victim.

“All evidence confirms this was an isolated domestic incident in which a father intentionally killed his child before taking his own life,” Cordova said. Further details on what occurred were not released.

Cordova said the situation is painful for those involved and requested the community be respectful to the family of those who died. He said calls like these ones are difficult and have a lasting impact on the responding officers.

“This is a devastating loss. As a police chief, and as a parent, there are no words that truly capture the pain of losing a child. My heart is with the family and loved ones who are now facing unimaginable grief,” Cordova said. “This year has been an especially heavy one for our community and for our department.”

Two Tremonton-Garland officers — Sgt. Lee Sorensen and officer Eric Estrada — were shot and killed Aug. 17 while responding to a domestic violence call in Tremonton. Box Elder County sheriff’s deputy Mike Allred, and his K-9, Azula, were also shot and injured nearby.

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Suicide prevention resources

If you or someone you know is experiencing suicidal thoughts or exhibiting warning signs, call, text, or chat the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988 which is answered 24/7/365 by crisis counselors at the Huntsman Mental Health Institute. All calls to legacy crisis hotlines, including the old National Suicide Prevention hotline, 1-800-273-8255, will also connect to a crisis care worker at the Huntsman Mental Health Institute as well.

Additional resources

• SafeUT: Parents, students, and educators can connect with a licensed crisis counselor through chat by downloading the SafeUT app or by calling 833-3SAFEUT (833-372-3388)
• SafeUT Frontline: First responders, including firefighters, law enforcement, EMS, and healthcare professionals can chat with a licensed crisis counselor at no cost 24/7/365 by downloading the SafeUT Frontline app.
• SafeUTNG: Members of the National Guard can chat with a licensed crisis counselor at no cost 24/7/365 by downloading the SafeUTNG app.
• Utah Warm Line: For non-crisis situations, when you need a listening ear as you heal and recover from a personal struggle, call 1-833 SPEAKUT 8:00 a.m.-11:00 p.m., 7 days a week, 365 days a year.
• The Huntsman Mental Health Institute offers a wide variety of programs and services including suicide prevention and crisis services, hospital treatment, therapy & medication management, substance Use & addiction recovery, child & teen programs, and maternal mental health services including birth trauma, pregnancy loss, infertility, and perinatal mood and anxiety disorders.
• LiveOnUtah.org is a statewide effort to prevent suicide by promoting education, providing resources, and changing Utah’s culture around suicide and mental health. They offer resources for faith based groups, LGBTQ+, youth, employers, firearm suicide prevention, and crisis and treatment options.

Counties in Utah provide services for mental health and substance use disorders. Centers are run by the thirteen Local Mental Health and Substance Use Authorities all across the state and offer therapy, substance use disorder treatment, support groups, mobile services, youth treatment, and more.

 These resources and more information can be found here: https://www.uacnet.org/behavioralhealth.

Other community-based resources

• NAMI Utah provides education, support and advocacy for individuals and families impacted by mental illness.
• American Foundation for Suicide Prevention offers prevention programs, public education, support for loss survivors, and fundraising for research.
• Encircle Utah: LGBTQ+ family and youth resource center.
• Utah Pride Center empowers Utah’s diverse LGBTQ+ community.
• The Trevor Project: LGBTQ teen resource center.
• U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Mental Health
• Latino Behavioral Health Services
• Center for Workplace Mental Health offers suicide prevention and response for employers.