CRIME

Third teen arrested in Taylorsville homicide investigation

Mar 21, 2024, 1:55 PM | Updated: Jun 28, 2024, 4:08 pm

Taylorsville police vehicle....

FILE - A Taylorsville police vehicle is pictured in Taylorsville on Monday, June 6, 2022. (Kristin Murphy, Deseret News)

(Kristin Murphy, Deseret News)

TAYLORSVILLE — A third teenager was arrested in connection to the death of a Taylorsville man whose body was found in the desert of Utah County. 

According to Taylorsville Police Department, a 17-year-old boy was taken into custody early Thursday morning.

The boy, along with a 15-year-old boy and another 17-year-old boy are accused in the death of 21-year-old Alexzia “Alex” Franco.

UPDATE: Taylorsville man believed to be abducted, found dead

Franco was believed to be abducted from his Taylorsville neighborhood on Sunday and multiple witnesses reported hearing a gunshot as a white vehicle sped away.

On Tuesday, Franco’s body was found in Utah County with a single gunshot wound.

The three were booked into the Salt Lake Valley Detention Center this week on multiple felony charges related to the homicide investigation.

Investigators believe Franco was talking with one of the three teens about buying a gun. When the three boys showed up for a meeting, they intended to rob Franco of the money that was to be used to purchase the gun.

According to the release from police, “Detectives said the group met near the victim’s home in the area of 3800 W. 5700 South, where Franco entered the suspects’ vehicle, a white Jeep Liberty. It is believed that during the robbery, inside the vehicle, an altercation ensued, and Franco was fatally shot once by one of the teenagers involved.”

Following the shooting, the three immediately drove to the desert area in Utah County, where they disposed of Franco’s body, investigators said.

“Through their investigation, detectives found no evidence of this case being gang-related, drug-related or involving any type of a hate crime. They also thanked the public for helping them find the white Jeep involved in the crime,” the release stated.

Detectives asked for the public’s help in locating the vehicle on Sunday, and after finding the vehicle on Monday, further investigation led investigators to the three suspects that are now in custody.

“We are grateful for the diligent investigative work by our detectives in helping to resolve this case with the speed in which they did,” Taylorsville police chief, Brady Cottam, said “We also greatly appreciate the public’s assistance and the awareness of witnesses and their quick reporting of this crime. We hope that the resolution of the investigation will bring some peace and comfort to those close to the victim, family and friends.”

KSL 5 TV Live

Crime

Autumn Mercado, who was found dead in her home on Monday, Jan. 13, 2025....

Garna Mejia

Charges pending in case of West Jordan mother found dead, family seeks justice and protection for children

Nearly a month after the discovery of a West Jordan woman's body during a welfare check, charges in the case have yet to be filed.

15 hours ago

Friends and family leaving flowers and mementos in front of Heather Barela's photo....

Jacob Freeman

Charges brought against 15-year-old in Santa Clara murder case

Charges have officially been filed against a 15-year-old accused of killing a family member and wounding another in Santa Clara on Jan. 30.

1 day ago

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.

2 days 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.

2 days 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 […]

3 days 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.

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.

Third teen arrested in Taylorsville homicide investigation