Three women were found dead in separate locations in Utah’s Wayne County on Wednesday and a suspect was in custody, authorities said.
The suspect allegedly fled the area in one of the victim’s vehicles, according to the Utah Department of Public Safety. He traveled through southern Utah and then into Arizona Finally arriving in Pagosa Springs, Colorado.
Law enforcement launched a search and successfully located and arrested the suspect. Officials have not yet released the identity of the suspect or the name of the victim.
Investigators initially found the bodies of two women on a trail near Capitol Reef National Park. As the investigation widened, authorities later discovered a third woman died in wayne county.
The circumstances of the death remain under investigation and officials have not yet revealed the victim’s cause of death.
The Sevier County Sheriff’s Office posted a statement on Facebook saying, “We have received confirmation that a suspect in a Wayne County homicide has been arrested early this morning. The suspect is in the custody of law enforcement. We are grateful to all of our law enforcement and investigative partners, as well as all citizens who have provided tips and assistance throughout this process. We ask for your patience as the investigation progresses. Official details will come from the Wayne County Sheriff’s Office and the Utah Department of Public Safety.”
Also read: Wayne County suspect update: Police release first details after 3 deaths; ‘White Subaru Outback’
No threat to the public
On Wednesday, the Utah Department of Public Safety and the Wayne County Sheriff’s Office urged residents in and around Torrey, Utah, to remain vigilant while the suspect remains at large.
After the suspect was taken into custody, authorities determined he no longer posed any threat to the community.
“There is no ongoing threat to the public and investigators do not have any outstanding suspects,” the Utah Department of Public Safety said.
