West Valley Police investigating a domestic violence case for additional victim
Nov 14, 2021, 5:33 PM | Updated: 5:42 pm
WEST VALLEY CITY, Utah — The West Valley City Police investigation continues in a domestic violence situation that could also involve a second victim who was allegedly murdered.
Arresting documents allege the suspect was holding his wife hostage since November 1st with little food. The victim also alleges she witnessed the suspect murder another woman.
On Sunday, a police spokesperson said they have not been able to confirm or rule out a homicide.
Neighbors on this seemingly quiet street are still trying to figure out what happened at the home located at 3360S Greenmont Drive where police say a woman called 9-1-1 for a domestic violence situation involving her husband.
Friday night the SWAT Team was forced to knock down the front door after the man barricaded himself inside with a firearm.
“The suspect fired several gunshots inside the residence, eventually he exited the residence through a rear door and tried to flee on foot and was apprehended by a police canine,” said Lt. Sean McCarthy of the West Valley City Police Department.
According to McCarthy, the suspect received minor medical treatment after the officer cannine’s arrest.
Arresting documents for the suspect, identified as 50-year-old Garman Shaun Cunningham, indicate he also had a sword when he came out of the house and had been throwing objects from a window at officers prior to exiting.
“There were flashing lights here, every intersection was blocked off no one could get in or out,” Ryan McNatt said.
Ryan McNatt lives across the street.
“After that it was just nonstop police and crime scene people here for over 12-14 hours,” McNatt said, “There were over a dozen little white vans and undercover cop cars.”
Nearly 48 hours after the incident West Valley City Police still have a 24-hour patrol unit sitting outside the home.
Information in arresting documents could shed some light on their ongoing investigation.
(KSL TV)
The court documents say the victim told detectives Cunningham held her hostage since November 1, forcing her to drink WD-40. Furthermore, the victim told police she witnessed Cunningham murder another woman and dispose of the body; however, police have not released further information on the allegation.
“[It’s my guess] someone had to have died, because they wouldn’t do all this even for just a hostage if everyone got out safely,” said McNatt.
McNatt thinks Cunningham is a handyman or works in construction. He had a big dumpster and several trucks parked in front of the home that police hauled away.
Another neighbor told KSL-TV’s Garna Mejia that an elderly woman also lived at the home but hasn’t been seen in a few weeks.
On Sunday, a police spokesperson said the scene is being secured while the investigation is underway.
