Neighbors react to shocking murder, police shooting at WVC home
Jan 3, 2025, 10:01 PM | Updated: 10:34 pm
WEST VALLEY CITY — Police released the names of a West Valley City couple that police think was killed by their adult son, who was then shot and killed in a confrontation with police on New Year’s Day. KSL TV is also hearing from neighbors shaken up by their deaths.
Police confirmed Friday they found the bodies of 67-year-old Kerry Bertelsen and 63-year-old Terri Bertelsen inside their home at 3310 W. Enterado Ave, then shot and killed their 35-year-old son Eric Bertelsen, who’s presumed responsible for their deaths.
On Friday, clean-up crews spent the day cleaning up what was an alarming police scene on New Year’s Day.
“There were like 20 cars and they had us blocked in, and we couldn’t get in our driveway,” said neighbor Randy Reed.
“And then we saw the home right there, and we’re like, ‘something must’ve happened with the dude again,'” said neighbor Hyrum Moreno.
Man killed by officer gunfire after his parents found murdered in WVC home, police say
Police told KSL TV they responded to a 911 call Wednesday night to the Bertelsen’s West Valley City home, and went inside to find their bodies, and the couple’s adult son.
“During the confrontation with that adult male suspect, an officer fired on the suspect, killing him,” said Roxeanne Vainuku, Deputy Communications Director with West Valley City Police Department.
Neighbors said they’d seen issues with the son before, who’d been recently released from prison, but never this.
“Every time he comes on probation, seems like something a week later happens,” Moreno said.
“I think it’s a horrible event for the family,” Reed said.
Neighbors are left feeling a bit shaken up.
“It’s shocking, don’t expect to see a murder just on the other, pretty much your neighbor,” Moreno said.
Other neighbors said they’re grieving the deaths of Bertelsen’s. They’ll miss what they meant to the neighborhood.
