JUAB COUNTY, Utah — Two men have been arrested for killing a man and disposing of his body, according to the Juab County Sheriff's Office.
Police received a report Friday that a man had been shot and killed, then "discarded" in the desert.
In a multi-agency investigation, law enforcement found the body of 50-year-old Michael Caussey of Santaquin out in the west Juab County desert near the Brush Wellman Highway.
Two men from Nephi were arrested in connection with the incident: 56-year-old Troy Pexton on suspicion of murder, obstructing justice and abuse or desecration of a body; and 41-year-old Scott Blackett for abuse or desecration of a body.
According to arrest documents, the victim, as well as Pexton and Blackett were in a truck together when a fight broke out between Blackett and the victim.
A third party who knew those involved told police that Caussey was repeatedly punching Blackett in the face when Pexton intervened in the fight and shot the Caussey. Pexton and Blackett then dumped his body before driving back to Nephi, police said.
Officers tried to speak to Blackett and reported that he said he was sitting in the back of the truck when the victim climbed from over the front passenger seat to beat him. Blackett said he suffered a concussion and lost consciousness, according to the probable cause statement.
According to police, alcohol was present in the vehicle and all three of the men were drinking.
When officers investigated the vehicle, they found blood and a round stuck in the roof of the rear passenger seat.
Blackett was reportedly arrested after being discharged from a hospital for treatment of non-life-threatening injuries.
FOX 13 will provide updates if further details are made available.
