Springville police investigating third killing in 8 days

SPRINGVILLE, Utah — A 33-year-old Springville woman has been arrested and accused of killing her elderly stepfather.

Krista Mortensen was booked into the Utah County Jail on Wednesday on felony charges of murder, obstruction of justice and possession of a dangerous weapon by a restricted person.

According to court documents, emergency crews were dispatched to a home near 500 North 100 E. around 11 p.m. Wednesday after Mortensen ran to a neighbor’s home and said she needed medical assistance with her stepfather’s feeding tube.

“When law enforcement officers arrived at the scene, they observed that the victim had sustained a gunshot wound to the head and a gun was located near the feet of the victim,” police said.

Officers said Mortensen then barricaded herself in another room and refused to answer any questions about the welfare of her father.

According to court documents, officers obtained a key and entered the room. They said they found Mortensen “laying in the fetal position on a bed and she had blood on her hands, arms, and clothing.”

Mortensen refused to cooperate and was moved to the living room after being advised of her Miranda rights, police said.

Mortensen then “made multiple spontaneous statements about killing and shooting her father. The statements were made not in response to questions asked by any officers,” court documents said.

Detectives said they obtained warrants and Mortensen “fought officers and medical personnel” while they worked to gather evidence.

Police have identified the victim as 75-year-old Michael Huff, of Springville.

Third killing, fourth death in eight days

Springville police are also investigating two shootings from last week that left three people dead.

“It’s so unusual for Springville. While you may hear about those things in larger cities, it’s very uncharacteristic of Springville,” said Mayor Matt Packard.

On May 18, 17-year-old Lily Conroy was mortally wounded in an apparent murder-suicide attempt by an ex-boyfriend at Hobble Creek Park.

Conroy was placed on life support so her organs could be donated, and officials confirmed she died over the weekend. Police said her ex was found dead in a nearby car.

Springville High softball team honors teen shot in murder-suicide scenario

Then, on Saturday, a 42-year-old man was fatally shot in the head and chest on his front porch, and a suspect turned himself in soon after, according to police.

In an interview with police, the suspect, 25-year-old Huner Lamoreaux, “admitted the victim was an acquaintance of his. [Lamoreaux] was upset regarding a pending divorce and custody battle between the victim and his estranged wife [and] stated he did not feel the victim deserved custody of his children and that he had decided approximately two months prior, that the victim needed to die.”

Chief Lance Haight with the Springville Police Department said it has been an emotional time for his officers.

“It’s a tragic scene that is not easy to get out of your mind, but it’s a noble job that our officers do. They respond with great compassion and professionalism as they work hard to find answers to what is happening,” Haight said.

And with only 33 officers in the department, one particular officer happened to be the first on the scene of both of last week’s shootings.

“It is difficult for them, so they rely on support from the community and their families,” Haight said. “There have been tremendous acts of service and compassion.”

A GoFundMe* for Lily’s family has already surpassed its goal of $20,000 and was approaching $45,000 Thursday morning.

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