Candlelight vigils held for Utah mother shot and killed in her home

Feb 4, 2025, 11:21 AM

ROY — Shock and sadness Monday night as dozens gathered to remember a Utah mother shot and killed in her home.

Santa Clara-Ivins police said a juvenile family member killed 44-year-old Heather Ann Barela and injured 20-year-old Brandon in their Santa Clara home on Friday.

Two vigils were held to remember the mother of seven. One was in Santa Clara, where Barela lived, and the other was at her mother’s home in Roy.

Family and friends of Heather Barela at the Roy home on Monday.

Family and friends of Heather Barela at the Roy home on Monday. (KSL TV)

Jennifer Chacon, Barela’s sister, spoke to a crowd of dozens in Roy,

“She would not want us all to be sitting around and crying and feeling sad,” Chacon told friends and family members.

Still, it’s hard for her to believe her sister is gone.

“She was such a bright light in the world, and she really knew how to laugh,” Chacon said.

Jennifer Chacon hugging a person who came to the Roy vigil on Monday.

Jennifer Chacon hugging a person who came to the Roy vigil on Monday. (KSL TV)

She also said her sister could connect with anyone, which was one of her many gifts.

Police said a teen family member is in jail on charges connected to Barela’s death and the shooting of her son.

Heather and her husband have two biological sons. They are known for adopting foster children and have five other boys.

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

Friends and family leaving flowers and mementos in front of Heather Barela’s photo. (KSL TV)

Aurora, Heather’s niece, said she loved spending time with her cousins and will miss her aunt.

Aurora loved spending time with her cousins and will miss her aunt

“I pray every day that a tragedy like this doesn’t happen to other people,” Chacon said.

A GoFundMe has been set up* to help Barela’s husband with funeral costs and to support their children.


*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.

KSL 5 TV Live

Local News

A driver hit and damaged two homes on Bald Eagle Way in Eagle Mountain on Monday, Feb.10, 2025. (Co...

Carlysle Price

Man dead after crashing truck into two Eagle Mountain homes

A driver hit and damaged two homes in Eagle Mountain Monday, leaving one man dead.

33 minutes ago

Weber Fire District crews arriving at the scene of the storage unit fire on Monday morning....

Michael Houck

Weber firefighters narrowly beat passing train to fight storage unit fire

A train almost made firefighters late to a storage unit fire Monday morning.

2 hours ago

Provo fire officials said they are pouring through information sent from bystanders, but that the p...

Karah Brackin

Looking for clues after destructive Provo fire

Provo Fire is working to piece together a puzzle and learn exactly what started a fire that destroyed three buildings.

4 hours ago

Downtown Salt Lake City from the Avenues on Dec. 27, 2024. The Astra Tower, seen here lit in differ...

Carter Williams, KSL.com

Salt Lake City is about to get another weather beacon. Here’s what this one will forecast

Salt Lake City's buildings will offer more than weather forecasts beginning later this month.

4 hours ago

The Giving Grinch dressed up for Valentine's Day,...

Tamara Vaifanua

Looking Out for the Good: The Giving Grinch spreading Valentine’s Day love

The Giving Grinch, a local non-profit, is looking to spread some love in the community this Valentine's Day.

5 hours ago

A Unified Police Department vehicle sits in a neighborhood in Big Cottonwood Canyon on Friday, Feb....

Michael Houck

SWAT arrests man suspected of robbing a Utah bank and sending threats to another

A man is accused of robbing a bank and stealing a dollar amount to reference the 9/11 attacks last week.

5 hours ago

Sponsored Articles

luxury living room with a classic white sofa and sofa, interior design...

Lighting Design

Revisiting home lighting trends for 2025

Looking for inspiration to revamp your home lighting? This article outlines some of the emerging lighting trends for 2025.

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.

Candlelight vigils held for Utah mother shot and killed in her home