Man arrested after his father is found dead in Logan Canyon
Sep 28, 2024, 4:25 PM | Updated: Sep 29, 2024, 5:06 pm
LOGAN — A body found in Logan Canyon Friday is being treated as a homicide according to investigators.
The Cache County Sheriff’s Office said the victim has been identified as 77-year-old Dennis Shaw, a Logan resident. Early Saturday morning, deputies arrested 33-year-old Clayton Shaw, the victim’s son and booked him into the Cache County Jail for the investigation of murder.
Police said several search warrants have been conducted on multiple vehicles and two homes. Dennis Shaw was taken to the Office of the Medical Examiner to determine the exact cause of death.
Police: Victim likely died elsewhere
According to the probable cause statement, investigators believe Shaw died at the location where he was found.
“The location where the body was found off of US 89 in Logan Canyon, Cache County, Utah indicates that DS was approximately 25 miles from his home,” the probable cause statement stated. “Your Affiant has no information at this time to explain why he would be in Logan Canyon without his vehicle.”
On July 24, Dennis Shaw filed a report of domestic violence against Clayton Shaw, according to the probable cause statement.
Earlier in July, the court document stated that Clayton Shaw showed up at his father’s house having an apparent mental crisis and said, “I’m trying to find a way to kill you.”
On Sept. 15, a female living in the same apartment complex called police to express her concerns of Clayton Shaw. She asked police what her options were.
In an interview with police, an employee at Dennis Shaw’s business said they had been trying to reach him since Thursday afternoon. The employee said Clayton Shaw’s alleged mental health had been on the decline. The employee also mentioned how Dennis Shaw was concerned that his son might try harm him.
Furthermore, the employee also stated that Dennis Shaw was never without his cell phone. After obtaining a search warrant, a return of service showed Dennis Shaw’s phone last pinged on Thursday around 7:15 p.m.
As the investigation progressed, deputies were sent to the victim’s home. Police observed Clayton Shaw arriving at the home on Friday around 3:15 p.m. He was seen walking up to the house, knocking on the door and then getting back into his car and driving away.
Suspect taken into custody
Deputies then conducted a high-risk traffic stop where Clayton Shaw was taken into custody. During the search, police said he was found to be in possession of a fixed-blade, double-edge knife.
According to the probable cause statement, “that blade would be preliminary consistent with the shape and size of wounds that were observed on the (victim’s) body at the scene.”
Police also said when the trunk of Clayton Shaw’s vehicle was searched, several drops of blood were found on the interior of the trunk as well as what appeared to be a bloody fingerprint, according to the probable cause statement. A bottle of peroxide cleaner was also found in the back seat.
During an interview with police, it was explained to Clayton Shaw that his father was dead. The probable cause statement adds that Clayton Shaw did not offer any defense or denial for three hours.
Police provided no other details and said the investigation is ongoing. They are asking anyone with additional information to come forward.
