Police identify 7 victims, suspect found shot to death in Enoch, Utah home
Jan 5, 2023, 10:37 AM | Updated: 1:09 pm
ENOCH, Utah — Police have identified the eight members of a family who were found dead in a home Wednesday in Enoch City.
Police identified the victims as Tausha Haight, 40, and her children: a 4-year-old boy, a 7-year-old boy and a 7-year-old girl; a 12-year-old girl and a 17-year-old girl, along with Haight’s mother, Gail Earl, 78.
Also identified was Haight’s husband, Mike Haight, 42. Police said that “evidence suggests that (he) suspect took his own life after killing seven others in the home.”
An entire family murdered — believed by father and husband Michael Haight. Enoch City says he shot and killed wife Tausha, her mom Gail Earl, and their kids 17 year old girl, 12 year old girl, 7 (boy and girl twins), and 4 year old boy. Awful for this small community. @KSL5TV pic.twitter.com/yHMjNRGqKW
— Lauren Steinbrecher (@LaurenSnews) January 5, 2023
We learned that Tausha filed for divorce very recently. Police think after Michael killed his family and mother-in-law, he then died by suicide. @KSL5TV pic.twitter.com/T22bhx3z5O
— Lauren Steinbrecher (@LaurenSnews) January 5, 2023
“We join with all who are deeply saddened by this tragic incident and want to express our condolences to the family and friends of the victims,” police said in a statement.
On Wednesday, officials with the Enoch City Police Department said officers were sent to a home in the 4900 North block of Albert Drive for a welfare check.
When officers checked the home, they found the three adults and five minors who died after being shot.
Residents in Enoch, a smaller city north of Cedar City, Utah, with a population of 8,000, were shocked by Wednesday’s news.
“It’s hard to describe in words, the emotions that are going through the people that live here. We all know this family. Many of us have served with them in church, in the community, or gone to school with these individuals,” said Rob Dotson, Enoch City manager. “So this community at this time is hurting. They’re feeling loss, they’re feeling pain, they have a lot of questions which is natural, and they’re here to support.”
Dotson added that even in their grief they have been amazed by the support they have seen for the family and their community.
“The texts, the posts and the care the people here have for those who are working and those also who have felt the pain as family and neighbors and friends,” he said. “Not just here but we’re getting word from across the nation, about how much people care for each other. And it is overwhelming and appreciated.”
What a tragedy. I’m praying for the community of Enoch tonight. https://t.co/0vRWbdjV7R
— Lt. Gov. Deidre M. Henderson (@LGHendersonUtah) January 5, 2023
Iron County School District officials said the five children attended local schools and called their deaths a tragic loss.
“This loss is sure to raise many emotions, concerns, and questions for our entire school district, especially our students,” read a letter from the district that was sent to parents on Wednesday. “We are saddened by the loss to our school community and will make every effort to help you and your child as needed.”
A crisis intervention team is available to help students, parents and school employees and the district said counselors are available at their counseling center or school administrative offices.
Police said their investigation is ongoing. Dotson said the Enoch City Police Department is working with the Cedar City Police Department and Iron County investigators.
“We still are gathering mountains of information to make sure that everything is done correctly,” Dotson said.
