Police Looking For Suspect Involved In Shooting Of Husband, Wife In West Jordan

WEST JORDAN, Utah — Police are looking for a suspect involved in a shooting that left a husband and wife dead in Salt Lake County, according to officials with the West Jordan Police Department.

The husband and wife were found dead inside a home in the neighborhood of 6900 South and 3200 West in West Jordan early Saturday morning.

“This is a terrible case,” said Sgt. J.C. Holt with the West Jordan Police Department. “It’s very unfortunate. We’re dealing with two parents that have been murdered, possibly in the presence of their children. We don’t know.”

A husband and wife were killed. Three kids home at the time, all under the age of four. The kids were not harmed. Happened at about 1am. Police got a call about possible gunshots.

— Alex Cabrero (@KSL_AlexCabrero) April 18, 2020

Police later identified the victims as 31-year-old Tony Butterfield and 30-year-old Katherine Butterfield.

Officers arrived on scene after a woman called 911 and said she heard gunshots and a woman screaming.

“(Their investigation) led them into the backyard because there was not an answer at the front door. And they found a man in the backyard who was deceased, appeared that he had at least one gunshot wound, possibly more,” Holt said.

When officers began looking at the home, they found indications of forced entry.

“They could hear some movement inside the home. They entered the home where they located a female that was deceased, also had some gunshot wounds,” Holt said.

Officials said three children, all under the age of four, were home at the time of the shooting but were uninjured.

“The children are safe. They’re with relatives,” Holt said.

Holt said they believe the suspect sustained an injury in an altercation with one of the victims, possibly consistent with a knife injury.

“I can tell you that this home, we have no criminal history at this home, we have no history with the deceased couple, and it does appear that this isn’t connected with some of the other things that we might surmise with these types of cases,” Holt said.

Police don’t have a description of the suspect at this time. Asking for public’s help. Names of victims should be released later today. The kids are now with relatives.

— Alex Cabrero (@KSL_AlexCabrero) April 18, 2020

No motive had been reached and police were searching for the suspect.

Officials said they don’t have a description of the suspect, but asked for the public’s help in gathering information.

Police said it appears the suspect was stabbed during whatever happened in the house. They asked anyone to call the department if they know someone with a recent, unexplained wound because it might help with this case.

“It’s very tragic circumstances, especially with the children involved,” said Holt.

As detectives did their work to find answers, neighbors didn’t know what to think.

“This is insane,” said one woman who lives nearby. “I’ve lived here for 20 years and we’ve had no problems at all. So, we just live down there, and we’ve had no crime, nothing.”

She didn’t know the victims but feels for the children.

“It’s horrible. Horrible. Very, very sad,” she said.

Police said there was no criminal history at the house or with the victims.

“It does appear that this isn’t connected with some of the other things that we might surmise with these types of cases. It doesn’t fall into that realm,” Holt said.

Police said they are getting surveillance video from nearby homes and are working some leads.

“We’re very hopeful we can make an arrest on this and bring this to closure,” Holt said.

A GoFundMe account* has been established for the family.

Representatives also released the following statement from the family:

“The families of Tony and Katherine C. Butterfield are devastated by the sudden passing of their loved ones. Tony and Katherine were incredible Christ-like, kind, happy and loving parents, children, siblings and friends.

“We mourn their loss but are grateful for the sure knowledge we have that we will be with them again.

“We hold no ill-will towards the perpetrator(s) and pray for them and their families. We are grateful for the immediate and professional work of the West Jordan Police and other investigators and are confident in their abilities to bring this case to resolution.

“We ask for prayers for Tony and Katherine’s three sweet children, as well as for the many, many people who love Tony and Katherine. We are appreciative and overwhelmed with the outpouring of love and support we have received. Thank you.”

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*KSL TV does not assure that the money deposited to the account will be applied for the benefit of the persons named as beneficiaries. If you are considering a deposit to the account, you should consult your own advisers and otherwise proceed at your own risk.