CRIME

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.

KSL 5 TV Live

Crime

A tense day in the courtroom as a teen faces adult murder charges in a stabbing death that brings q...

Darby Sparks, KSL

Defense questions motive in Jordan High School teen stabbing death

A tense day in the courtroom as a teen faces adult murder charges in a stabbing death that brings questions of possible gang motive.

11 hours ago

Rubicon Contracting trucks parked in Bountiful on Dec. 5, 2023. Utah is asking for its case against...

Pat Reavy, KSL.com

Utah seeks dismissal of labor trafficking charges in lieu of federal investigation

The Utah Attorney General's Office is asking for state charges against a Davis County general contracting company accused of labor trafficking to be dismissed because of a pending federal investigation.

12 hours ago

On Wednesday a probation fugitive fled police leading to a high speed car chase involving several p...

Diana Jones

Multi-department car chase leads to capture of fugitive

ELWOOD, Utah — On Wednesday, a probation fugitive fled from police in a high-speed car chase that involved multiple police departments. At approximately 12:45 p.m., Weber County Adult Probation and Parole received a tip on the location of 24-year-old Brandler Stone. How he became a wanted person In Aug. 2024, Stone was sentenced to serve up […]

1 day ago

squad car SLCPD...

Michael Houck

Convicted felon accused of kidnapping and threatening a security guard

A man is being accused of threatening a security guard with a broken shard of glass and demanding he take him to a gas station.

2 days ago

Neil Gaiman arrives at the Art of Elysium Heaven Gala on Jan. 6, 2024, at The Wiltern Theater in Lo...

TODD RICHMOND

Woman’s lawsuits say sci-fi author Neil Gaiman repeatedly sexually assaulted her

A woman from New Zealand has filed three civil lawsuits accusing best-selling British author Neil Gaiman of repeatedly sexually assaulting her while she was working as his family’s babysitter and nanny.

3 days ago

Police at the scene of an incident at Risbergska School, in Örebro, Sweden, Tuesday, Feb. 4, 2025....

STEFANIE DAZIO

10 killed at adult education center, officials say it’s Sweden’s worst mass shooting

About 10 people, including the gunman, were killed on Tuesday at an adult education center in what Sweden’s prime minister called the country’s worst mass shooting.

3 days ago

Sponsored Articles

holiday gift basket with blue tissue paper and gingerbread cookies...

Kneaders Bakery & Cafe

Holiday hacks for a stress-free season

Get more out of your time with family and loved ones over the holidays by following these tips for a stress-free season.

2 computer techs in a computer shop holding up a computer server with the "hang loose" sign...

PC Laptops

A comprehensive guide to choosing the right computer

With these tips, choosing the right computer that fits your needs and your budget will be easier than ever.

crowds of people in a German style Christmas market...

This Is The Place Heritage Park

Celebrate Christkindlmarket at This Is The Place Heritage Park!

The Christkindlmarket is an annual holiday celebration influenced by German traditions and generous giving.

Image of pretty woman walking in snowy mountains. Portrait of female wearing warm winter earmuff, r...

Lighting Design

Brighten your mood this winter with these lighting tricks

Read our lighting tips on how to brighten your mood in the winter if you are experiencing seasonal affective disorder.

A kitchen with a washer and dryer and a refrigerator...

Appliance Man

Appliance Man: a trusted name in Utah’s home appliance industry

Despite many recent closures of local appliance stores, Appliance Man remains Utah's trusted home appliance business and is here to stay.

abstract vector digital social network technology background...

Les Olson

Protecting yourself against social engineering attacks

Learn more about the common types of social engineering to protect your online or offline assets from an attack.

Neighbors react to shocking murder, police shooting at WVC home