WEST VALLEY CITY, Utah, Dec. 19, 2024 (Gephardt Daily) — Relatives of the victims who died in what West Valley City police investigators believe was a likely murder-suicide, have released a statement reflecting on the act, which claimed the lives of five family members, including the suspected shooter, and critically injured a 17-year-old son.
According to the statement, the family members were Karenni refugees, an ethnic community long brutalized by the oppressive military regime that rules Myanmar in southeast Asia.
Statement on the Deaths of Karenni Refugee Family
“Like all of you, we were shocked to learn of the tragic and untimely deaths of 4 of our family members at the hands of their husband and father. We condemn all forms of abuse and violence, especially abuse and violence against innocent women and children,” the statement says.
“The victims, their ages, and their relationships are: Bu Meh, 38, mother, Sha Reh, 17, son, Boe Reh, 11, son, Kristina Ree, 8, daughter, [and] Nyay Meh, 2, daughter.
“Sha Reh is our 17 year old hero. He is the lone survivor in his immediate family. He has a long and complex road to recovery. He needs our full attention, our unconditional love, and the Savior’s gifts of healing and peace.
“Our family is cooperating with local law enforcement to better understand the motive behind these senseless acts of violence. While the perpetrator of these heinous acts is deceased, we know that God’s justice is not.
“Our hearts ache for the loss of life and potential. Bu Meh was a beautiful wife and mother. She brought light to her family. She worked hard to provide for them and to meet their needs. As a refugee and immigrant woman, she faced significant hurdles to her family’s well-being and success.
“Over ten years ago, she fled a violent situation in her home country of Myanmar, where her people were being ethnically cleansed by their government. She came to the United States with her husband and young family with little more than the clothing on their backs.
“Since coming to the United States, she taught herself English, learned valuable skills, and worked tirelessly to support her growing family. Her dream was to one day own her own home and to live comfortably alongside her husband and their four beautiful children.
“After moving into their own home and finally enjoying a level of prosperity far beyond the nightmare of their former country or the refugee camp in Thailand in which they lived for a season, and for reasons that we cannot comprehend, her husband robbed her and their children of that security and their very lives.
“However, we do not wish to dwell on the circumstances of their deaths. As a family, we have felt unspeakable peace. We have more questions than answers but our faith and our trust in a living God and in His Son Jesus Christ sustains us.
“At this time of the year, we commemorate the birth of our Savior Jesus Christ. His life, His teachings, and His doctrine are the ‘good news’ that we all celebrate. We believe with all our hearts that our loved ones have returned home to the God who gave them life.
“We know they are in a state of peace, and that they are resting from all their troubles, cares, and sorrows. We know that through the power of Jesus Christ’s Atonement and Resurrection that our loved ones will one day be resurrected and that we will be reunited with them. We pray for and will live for that day.
“We ask for privacy during this time of mourning, healing, and reconciliation for our large extended family. Individuals and organizations wishing to donate to help offset funeral and medical costs for our loved ones may contribute to the following link: https://www.gofundme.com/f/urgent-funeral-funds-for-family-tragedy.
Moreover, as details come together regarding a joint celebration of life for our loved ones, we will release that information to the local media.
“We invite all who have been touched by this tragedy in our community and state to pray for peace. If you or a family member are in distress or experiencing abuse at the hands of a family member or caregiver, please call the Utah Domestic Violence Link Line, 1-800-897-LINK (5465)
“If you or people you know are at risk of self-harm, call or text 988 to reach the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline’s 24-hour support. There is hope. There is healing. There is peace. Violence is never the answer and never a solution.
“Lastly, as a family, we express our gratitude to the many first responders, police, health care professionals, clergy, friends, and others who have assisted and helped to care for our family members. We are grateful for you. We know that God will help carry your burdens.”
West Valley City Police Investigation
West Valley City police officers discovered the bodies of the five family members Tuesday after receiving a call from a relative who found the gravely wounded 17-year-old son inside the home’s garage.
The same relative had requested a welfare check a day earlier but officers who went to the residence, on the 3700 block of Oxford Way, found no visible evidence of foul play.
Wednesday night, Roxanne Vainuku, West Valley City’s assistant communications director, said evidence gathered at the scene, including a small handgun found beneath the father, led investigators to believe he was responsible for the shootings.
“We believe this was the weapon used in the shootings, however, ballistic and forensic analysis will determine that definitively.”
Suicide and Crisis Lifeline Available 24/7
If you or someone you know is considering suicide, call the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. It provides 24/7, free and confidential support for people in distress, including prevention and crisis resources for you or your loved ones. To speak with a trained listener, call 988.
The Crisis TEXT Line is a texting service for emotional crisis support. To contact a trained listener, text HELLO to 741741. It is also free, available 24/7, and confidential.
Talking with someone about your thoughts and feelings can save your life.
