COTTONWOOD HEIGHTS, Utah, June 10, 2026 (Gephardt Daily) — Cottonwood Heights police have confirmed a murder-suicide with mental health issues believed to be a contributing factor.
The bodies of Heather Dawn Nelson and Norah Browyn Nelson, ages 51 and 19, were discovered on May 30. Norah was found dead with multiple gunshot wounds, and Heather was dead from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound.
The two were found together in a bedroom of a rental apartment Norah shared with her grandmother and aunt, who had been away at the time of the shooting.
Heather Nelson had previously lived in the rental home before moving to Midvale.
Sgt. Joe Incardine, Cottonwood Heights Police, said Heather Nelson’s mental illness is “the contributing factor that we’ve been looking into. From what our investigators have been able to come up with it seems to be that there was a history there.”
Norah Nelson’s obituary says “she was killed by her mother who, suffering severe mental illness, then killed herself.”
Norah’s obituary says she graduated in 2025 from Brighton High, had taken cosmetology classes after high school, and worked at a Twisted Sugar, a cookie shop in Cottonwood Heights.
“Norah was kind, accepting, empathetic, compassionate, and so, so smart. She was a fantastic artist, drawing all sorts of animals and subjects throughout her life. She loved to ride her skateboard and had recently learned to snow ski with her dad. Her skills only got better as she got older.”
Norah “was an animal whisperer, trusted by all animals, small and large. Her energy was calm and warm. She loved her cats, Handsome, Charlie, Willow, Oreo, and Olivia.”
“It was truly an honor to know her and a gift to be close to her. Norah was loved by her friends, family, and boyfriend.”
● 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.
● Anyone experiencing domestic violence is urged to call the Utah Domestic Violence Coalition at 800-897-5465 or the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 800-799-SAFE (7233).
