ST. GEORGE, Utah, June 19, 2024 (Gephardt Daily) — After an intense 16-hour search, a Washington homicide suspect is in custody.
Officer Tiffany Mitchell, St. George Police Department, posted at 10:28 a.m. that the sole suspect in a double shooting homicide is in custody.
“We have some good news,” Mitchell said in a social media post. “We have the suspect in custody, everyone is safe. No one else was injured. So the stay at home, shelter, that we have put in place in this area has been lifted. Again, there is no suspect outstanding.”
The suspect is Collin Bailey, born male, a transgender female who goes by the name Mia Bailey.
Washington City police were alerted by dispatch to a shots fired incident at 7:02 p.m. Tuesday. They responded to 1039 E. Chinook Drive, a WCPD news release says.
“Washington City Police officers arrived on scene and entered the residence through the front door,” the statement says. “Upon entry, two deceased adults (one female and one male) were located inside from apparent gunshot wounds.
“Officers on scene attempted life-saving efforts on the two victims, but were unsuccessful. Upon searching the home further, no other victims and no suspects were located. From the initial investigation, it was apparent a double homicide had occurred.”
The police statement says that as of the time it was posted, “a single suspect has been identified as Collin Troy Bailey.” It went on to describe Bailey’s height and weight, and his use of wigs and the name Mia.
“Mia’s current whereabouts are unknown and (Bailey) is considered armed and dangerous.”
By 2 a.m. Wednesday, police radio transmissions indicated that officers had located Bailey’s general area, and believed she was on foot. They contained the area while awaiting the arrival of a SWAT team. It was later discovered that Bailey had escaped the contained area.
Later Wednesday morning, St. George police put out an alert to residences of certain areas of the city.
“Those living in the Bloomington Hills and Fort Pierce area! A suspect of a double homicide that occurred in Washington City on 6/18/24 was last seen in the area of Quarry Ridge & River Road. The suspect was seen heading west through the wash.
“THE SUSPECT IS CONSIDERED ARMED AND DANGEROUS.
“She was last seen wearing blue skinny jeans, light blue or white T-shirt, and has dark hair. She is 5 feet 10 inches and 130 pounds. We ask that those in the affected area shelter in place and call police if you see anything suspicious.”
Exact details of the capture have not yet been disclosed. Gephardt Daily will have more information as it is available.
In its initial news release, the Washington City Police department shared condolences and thanked other agencies that were assisting.
“The Washington City Police Department sends our heartfelt condolences to the victim’s family in this horrific tragedy. We also want to thank all those who assisted with this incident, which is Washington County Sheriff‘s Office, St. George Police Department, Utah Highway Patrol, Washington County Attorney’s Office, and local citizens on scene.”
