Investigators looking for witnesses after reported sexual assault at Murray park
May 2, 2018, 4:44 PM | Updated: 9:50 pm
MURRAY, Utah – Police are investigating a report that a high school-aged girl was sexually assaulted in a bathroom at a softball field on April 25.
Murray police are looking for information from anyone who knows about the situation. It reportedly happened at the softball fields west of Riverview Junior High at 800 West 5750 South.
“A lot of details have to be gathered at this point,” said Detective Ken Bass with Murray Police Department. “We definitely want to talk to somebody that has direct information regarding what happened.”
Murray Police are just getting started with their investigation and haven’t spoken with the potential victim yet.
“Right now, it’s in its infancy,” said Bass, referring to their investigation. “There is very little information that we have other than that a report has been made and they’re going to go forward with it.”
The Murray School District owns the ball fields. The Murray High School girls softball team plays there along with several community leagues, including youth players from Murray and Taylorsville. A school district spokesperson said they have notified coaches and players. The community leagues have also notified players and parents and urged parents to stick around with their kids and stay alert.
Billie Kelsey grew up in the neighborhood and comes to Riverview Park regularly because her daughter goes to school nearby. Wednesday morning she was playing whiffle ball with her toddler.
“I keep coming back here,” said Kelsey. “It’s a great place for my son to play, and it feels safe. It just feels nice.”
She was surprised to hear about the police investigation.
“Bad things happen everywhere,” she said. “Even when you try to keep your kids safe, nothing is ever 100% guaranteed. It just feels like a safe area. It surprises me that.. to me, in my mind, I have this concept of a place that no one is going to get hurt here.”
But, she said, she’ll be more aware of her surroundings and other people at the park.
Call the Murray Police Department at (801) 264-2673, if you know anything about what happened at the fields last week.