SOUTH JORDAN, Utah — A man and his two sons are dead after what police say is a double murder-suicide in South Jordan Tuesday evening.
Police said the father was watching his boys, ages 8 and 10, at their mother's home near Indigo Sky Way and Pentenwell Lane, near Daybreak.
The mother returned home from work and discovered her 8-year old son critically injured, and South Jordan Police said she called for help.
Lieutenant Matt Pennington with South Jordan Police explained that officers arrived, had the mother leave the home, and they went inside to find her other son dead. They also discovered the boys' biological father had died, they believe by suicide.
He said the 8-year old was taken to Riverton Hospital, but passed away.
Police are still investigating the cause of each death, as well as why this happened. They said the father didn't live at the home.
Lt. Pennington said there is a, "short history of some domestic calls here dating back to November/October of last year, which is when I believe they went their separate ways. Nothing since then that we have in our system."
South Jordan City Mayor Dawn Ramsey, visibly emotional and wanting to send her love, arrived at the scene Tuesday evening to speak about the tragedy in her community.
She made a plea to her residents about domestic violence.
"There are people who can help, there are people you can talk to," she said. "I just implore those listening, to please reach out for help. Talk to someone-- anyone you trust-- if you need help."
Help is exactly what is needed now, for a grieving mother who lost both her boys in one afternoon. Neighbors came together to begin raising money. They stood on their porches, watching the scene with tears in their eyes.
"This is a tight community. People care about each other, they know each other. They watch out for each other's kids," Ramsey said. "This is just a tragedy on every level. There is nothing that's okay about this."
Neighbors have set up a GoFundMe account to help the mother and her family cover funeral costs and other expenses.
If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, you can call the Utah Domestic Violence Coalition 24-hour hotline at 1-800-897-LINK. It's free, confidential, and advocates can help connect you with resources. You can also learn more information here.
