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Woman found shot in head in Taylorsville; 4 teens questioned

Posted at 6:31 AM, Apr 03, 2017
and last updated 2017-04-03 15:35:08-04

TAYLORSVILLE, Utah - Police found a 19-year-old woman dead in a car in Taylorsville overnight; she had been shot in the head.

Authorities identified the victim as Maria Alejandra Ayala.

Officers said they took four juveniles in custody for questioning; they are not suspects at this time.

According to Unified Police, the juveniles have connections to gangs.

Unified Police said numerous people called 911 about hearing gunshots near 10th W. and 40th S. at the Callaway Apartments at about 1 a.m.

That's where they found the woman shot to death in a car.

"Patrol officers, when they walked up on scene, they determined that the woman inside the vehicle was deceased," Unified Lt. Brian Lohrke said. "They left the scene as is, as to not disturb it until detectives could get here. We're working on identification of the victim now."

Unified Police said they aren't sure if the victim lives in the area or drove to the apartment complex before being shot in the head.

Officers are searching the car for any evidence, including the weapon used to shoot the victim.

Unified Police say they would like to speak with anyone who might have information about the murder of Maria Ayala at (801) 743-7000.