A manhunt is underway in rural southeastern Utah after three women were found dead in separate locations, prompting authorities to shut down local schools and warn residents to lock their doors while a suspect remains at large.
The deaths, discovered Wednesday in Wayne County, triggered a multi-agency homicide investigation spanning the small tourist gateway community of Torrey and surrounding areas.
Two women were found dead on a hiking trail Wednesday afternoon after dispatchers received a call reporting the bodies, officials said. While investigating, authorities discovered a third woman dead at a home in Wayne county.
The victims have not yet been publicly identified, but officials said they were in their 30s, 60s and 80s.
“On Wednesday afternoon, dispatch received a call regarding two deceased females located on a hiking trail,” the Utah Department of Public Safety said in a statement. “During the course of the investigation, a third victim was located deceased at a residence in Wayne County.”
The Utah Department of Public Safety said the State Bureau of Investigation and Crime Lab are assisting local authorities, and investigators are processing multiple scenes in Torrey and the surrounding area.
No arrests had been made as of Thursday as officials asked the public for help locating a white 2022 Subaru Outback with license plate U560YF.
“We’re asking for the public’s assistance in locating a 2022 white Subaru Outback with license plate U560YF,” according to the statement. “Please report tips to siac@utah.gov (801) 965-3838 or dial 911, and do not approach the vehicle.”
Authorities warned residents to remain cautious as the search continues.
“As this remains an active investigation, with the suspect at large, law enforcement is urging residents in the Torrey and surrounding area to take extra precautions, such as locking doors, remaining at home or with others, and being vigilant about surroundings. Please report any suspicious activity to 911,” the statement read.
Schools in the Wayne County School District were closed Thursday and Friday “out of an abundance of caution and concern for student and public safety,” officials said.
Wayne County, home to fewer than 3,000 residents, is known as a gateway for hikers and tourists visiting nearby national parks, including Capitol Reef National Park and Canyonlands National Park.
