OGDEN, Utah — Police have released the name the woman who was killed Saturday in Ogden.
Mindee Lavell Elmore, 41, was shot by her ex-boyfriend in a Smith's grocery store parking lot, according to Ogden Police.
According to the Utah Domestic Violence Coalition (UDVC), at least 42 percent of adult homicides in Utah were domestic violence-related since the year 2000. UDVC spokeswoman Liz Sollis says that number is on the rise.
“Unfortunately, in 2020, we actually saw an increase in the number of domestic violence-related homicides and deaths,” she said.
The pandemic has increased calls for domestic violence and has taken away, in many cases, safe spaces like schools and even libraries at certain times for victims, Sollis said.
“For some people who were experiencing domestic violence in the past before the pandemic, they may have not experienced it as much or it might not have seemed as difficult at the time because they were able to get away,” she said.
A GoFundMe campaign has been set up for Elmore's funeral expenses.
"Mindee was a very loving, known woman in Ogden," wrote Sharri Ann Rodriguez, the organizer of the GoFundMe. "A beloved daughter, sister, aunt, and most importantly mother."
Elmore's family also released a statement Monday, which read:
"Mindee was a loving caring independent woman she loved her child and family she was a hard worker and always knew how to crack a joke she was always laughing and smiling.. she loved her work friends and Easter was her favorite holiday. Mindee loved her jewelry she always dressed fashionable and took care of herself..This was such a horrible tragedy my aunt did not deserve this to happen to her she was the most happiest in life currently.. she will be missed by so many we all love her dearly and may she Rest In Peace.. give grandma & my brother loves for us. [sic]"
UDVC also reports that 34 percent of domestic violence homicide perpetrators die by suicide afterward (statistics from 2010-2013). In this case, the suspect attempted suicide a few hours later during a standoff with police a few miles away from the crime scene. He is in critical condition, and police say they plan to release his name and an update on his condition Tuesday.
"This incident is a shock for our community and specifically the family members that it has impacted," Ogden Police wrote in a press release. "If you were affected by this weekend’s tragedy, please reach out to the Ogden City Police Department Victim Advocates."
Victim advocates: (Monday - Friday 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.)
- 801-629- 8246 (Amber)
- 801-629-8245 (Jacky)
The Utah Domestic Violence Coalition also offers free and confidential help and support for victims and survivors of domestic or intimate partner violence, available 24/7:
- 1-800-897-LINK (5465)
- udvc.org
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline:
- 1-800-273-TALK (8255)
If you or someone else is in immediate danger or in an emergency, call 9-1-1 immediately.
