LAYTON, Utah — A man was arrested Friday after calling the police and telling them he killed his wife, his father-in-law and his mother-in-law in Layton.
Police responded around 9:45 a.m. and took 34-year-old Jeremy Lake Bailey safely into custody outside his home at 1832 E. Gentile Street.
Officers entered the home and confirmed that there were three dead: Bailey's wife, 36-year-old Anastasia Stevens, along with her father 73-year-old Donald Stevens, and her stepmother 61-year-old Becky Stevens.
Donald and Becky Stevens were from Nevada and were visiting their daughter and Bailey. Layton Police said it appeared the older couple was possibly planning to stay for the summer at the Layton couple's home.
Police said Bailey also killed three of the family's four dogs.
Layton Police public information officer Travis Lyman said there is "some indication" of gunshot wounds, but they have not yet determined the causes of the victims' deaths. They are also investigating any possible motive behind the alleged murders. Police said Bailey told them he had an argument of some sort with his wife before killing her and her parents, but no further details were immediately known.
Officers are on scene of a reported homicide on East Gentile St. Suspect is in custody. Media can stage at 1879 E Gentile but approach from the East. pic.twitter.com/dEcHSd79JH
— Layton Police (@laytonpolice) May 19, 2023
Neighbors on Gentile Street say the couple was known for their lively holiday decorations.
"I talked to [Bailey] a couple times," Duane Porter said. "They do this ridiculous Halloween deal that's unbelievable and then a Christmas deal that's unbelievable."
Del Mar Stevens (not related to the victims) was out cleaning his shed Friday morning when he first heard sirens racing past his home.
"They were friendly. Gave me their names and said, 'If you ever need anything, give me a call,'" Stevens said of the couple. "Seemed like ordinary people — neighborhood people."
The neighbors are shocked that something like this happened in their quiet Layton neighborhood.
"[These things] happen in other neighborhoods, not yours — but it's happened here, and we're sad about it," Stevens said.
