Man identified in Springville shooting of teen
May 19, 2022, 12:02 PM | Updated: Jun 10, 2022, 10:47 pm
UPDATE: The man suspected of shooting Lily Conroy, 17, has been identified by police as Masao Kaanga, 19, of Springville. Police previously said he was 20.
SPRINGVILLE, Utah — On Wednesday afternoon, investigators said it was believed a man shot a teen girl, then took his own life.
Thursday, law enforcement officials identified shooting victim Conroy and then Kaanga of Springville, who were both found dead in a car. The attempted murder happened in a Springville neighborhood park.
A release from Springville police Thursday morning stated:
“Lily Conroy, a 17-year-old Springville resident and Springville High School student, was mortally wounded, but is currently on life support to preserve organs. The family wishes to carry on their daughter’s legacy to help someone in need. The family would like Lily to live on by donating her organs to a local family. If there is a family in the local area who is in need of organ donation, contact the Springville Police Department (801.489.9421).”
Lana Hiskey, communications and community relations administrator for Nebo School District, said there are only six days left of this school year.
“This is tragic. This is not the way we want to end school,” she said.
The Springville community has turned into a sea of blue for Conroy, who had blue eyes according to neighbors.
“Our prayers and thoughts go out to these families,” Hiskey said.
Springville police were first alerted to the situation Wednesday afternoon when they were asked to perform a welfare check over an apparent break-up and concern that Kaanga was threatening Conroy.
The car was found a little before 3:45 p.m.
Police say this all started as a welfare check over an apparent break up around concern the male was making threats against the female.
Officers tracked them down & confirm 2 gunshot wounds.
Male was dead when officers found him.
Female is not expected to survive. @KSL5TV
— Karah Brackin (@KB_ON_TV) May 19, 2022
“We found both the 17-year-old girl and the 20-year-old young man slumped over in the front seats of the vehicle,” said Lt. Warren Foster before either identity was released.
Kaanga was dead when officers found him.
As of Thursday morning, Foster said that Conroy was on life support but is not expected to survive. Her family said they hoped to donate her organs. On Thursday morning, several students walked into school wearing their best dress for Conroy.
“These students are dressed up and want to show their respects. It’s the way the students come together. They want the family to know they love her and that they’re remembering her today,” Hiskey said.
These blue ribbons are tied in honor of Lily Conroy.
A community member says they’re blue because Lily’s eyes are blue, and Springville High’s school colors are red and blue.
They say a vigil will be held tonight in
respect of Lily. @KSL5TV pic.twitter.com/FAgI0iUZFl— Karah Brackin (@KB_ON_TV) May 19, 2022
Robert Fleming, Springville High School principal, sent out a letter to parents, which said in part: “Our trained counselors and school social workers are at the school to meet with students individually and in groups today as well as over the coming days and weeks.”
Students received an announcement from the principal that also mentioned the services on hand for them. The letter ended with: “Please remember that we are all here for you.”
The school district asked parents to watch their students over the next few days and look for any signs of distress so they can best support the students.
Community members said they are planning a vigil Thursday night in honor of Lily.
If you or someone you know is a victim of domestic violence, help is always available through the hotlines. For the Utah Domestic Violence Link Line, call 1-800 897-LINK or 1-800-897-5465.
