MIDVALE, Utah — The Unified Police Department reported one mother is dead and two children were involved in a domestic violence homicide in Midvale on Wednesday evening.
The woman has been identified as 41-year-old Utahna Halona.
41-year-old John Weston Erickson, who is the father of the two children, has been taken into custody.
The incident happened in the area of Monroe St. and Settlement Circle.
Just after 6 p.m, police received a call of a potential assault in progress.
Police said two children were inside their home and escaped to a neighbor's house when they reported their dad was attacking their mom.
When officers arrived at the scene, officers learned the two adults were still inside the home.
The mother was pronounced dead at the scene and the father was transported to the hospital in police custody with serious self-inflicted injuries, according to The Unified Police Department.
The 7-year-old girl was also transported to the hospital with minor injuries. Her brother, an 11-year-old boy, was uninjured.
"We're at a loss and our hearts have been crushed since we lost the most beautiful, loving and amazing soul Utahna Halona Erickson. She made everything beautiful and always went out of her way to bring family and friends together. The best daughter, sister, auntie, granddaughter, friend and above all wonderful mother to her two children. Her physical presence in our family will be greatly missed," said Shirlee Silversmith, the mother of Halona and grandmother of the two children.
People looking to donate to the family canclick here or text "Utahna" to 44-321. All funds will go to support the two children, Weston and Preslee.
"[The children] have a long and difficult road ahead of them that no child should have to travel, however, we will come together as an army of family & friends to love and protect them. May you all love your kids relentlessly, give your siblings an extra call to tell them you love them and cherish the moments with your parents and grandparents whenever you can," Silversmith said.
If you or someone you know is dealing with domestic violence and needs help, call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233 or click here to chat online with a representative. You can also visit the Utah Domestic Violence Coalition website to find local resources.
This is a developing story. Expect further updates as more information becomes available.
