Family Issues Statement After Woman Allegedly Killed By Husband
Oct 30, 2020, 7:51 PM | Updated: 8:24 pm
(Used by permission from the Utahna Halona Erickson family.)
MIDVALE, Utah – The family of Utahna Halona Erickson released a statement Friday, two days after her husband allegedly stabbed her to death in front of their children.
“We’re at a loss and our hearts have been crushed since we lost the most beautiful, loving and amazing soul Utahna Halona Erickson,” the statement began. “She made everything beautiful and always went out of her way to bring family and friends together.”
The statement was released on behalf of Halona’s mother, Shirlee Silversmith, and the rest of her family.
“The best daughter, sister, auntie, granddaughter, friend and above all, wonderful mother to her two children,” the statement read.
The incident happened Wednesday evening on the 100 block of West Settlement Circle in Midvale. The couple’s 7-year old daughter ran to a neighbor’s house and said, “dad was hurting mom.” Police said Utahna died at the scene.
A 41-year-old Midvale woman was stabbed to death by her husband after a domestic dispute in front of their children, according to Sgt. Melody Cutler with @UPDSL. #KSLTV @MorganWolfeKSL https://t.co/2PPqsnRinX
— KSL 5 TV (@KSL5TV) October 29, 2020
Her husband, John Weston Erickson, was also inside the house and transported to a hospital in police custody.
“Our family has been strengthened and lifted up by everyone’s love and support during this difficult and challenging time,” family said in the statement. “The posts and beautiful comments from everyone that knew her have touched us all and for that you’ve joined our ‘family circle.’
“May you all love your kids relentlessly, give your siblings an extra call to tell them you love them, and cherish the moments with your parents and grandparents whenever you can.”
The family has set up a link* for donations to care for her two children. People can also send financial donations by texting “Utahna” to 44-321.
“They have a long and difficult road ahead of them that no child should have to travel, however, we will come together as an army of family & friends to love and protect them,” the family said.
The family thanked first responders, victim advocates and other public servants.
The statement ended with, “Until we meet again, we’ll keep the imprint of your love permanently engraved in our hearts and souls and we will honor you by raising your kids together and staying strong together as a family, #Halonastrong.”
Resources For Domestic Violence Victims
If you are a victim of abuse, there are resources out there to help. It is a difficult first step, but help is available 24 hours a day and doesn’t cost anything.
- Utah Domestic Violence Link Line 1-800-897-LINK (5465)
- National Domestic Violence Hotline 1-800-799-SAFE (7233)
- Utah YWCA shelter for women- 24-Hour Crisis Line- 801-537-8600
- 911 — don’t hesitate to call if you need immediate help
Online resources:
https://justice.utah.gov/Violence/
http://www.health.utah.gov/vipp/topics/domestic-violence/
https://www.thehotline.org/resources/statistics/
https://www.bjs.gov/index.cfm?ty=tp&tid=235
https://www.nij.gov/topics/crime/intimate-partner-violence/Pages/welcome.aspx
The family of homicide victims can call Utah Homicide Survivors at 801-500-9077.
*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 advisors and otherwise proceed at your own risk.