CEDAR CITY, Utah, Jan. 19, 2025 (Gephardt Daily) — Four suspects have been arrested in connection with the shooting death of a 17-year-old girl, killed Friday night in Iron County, after she was pursued by a vehicle for several miles before someone “opened fire” on the pickup truck she was driving.
The 17-year-old was mortally wounded in the attack, and a friend who was traveling with her was injured
In a Saturday afternoon news conference, Iron County Sheriff Kenneth Carpenter announced the investigation was focusing on four suspects, three of whom were taken into custody after investigators executed a search warrant at a Cedar City apartment, near 3100 West 1600 North.
A fourth suspect was arrested at a separate, undisclosed location.
According to Carpenter, the apartment where the arrests took place was “in the area where the young ladies first detected that they were being followed… and recognized that their vehicle was being high-beamed.
“So, we focused on this area. We identified a possible truck, and through that, suspects, and the apartment,” Carpenter said.
In an earlier statement, the Iron County Sheriff’s Office said deputies responded to a call about 10:42 p.m. “reporting gunfire aimed at a vehicle and that the driver had sustained injuries.”
Law enforcement and Gold Cross Ambulance crews responded to the intersection of Midvalley Road and 4300 West where deputies “began life-saving measures for the 17-year-old female driver while medical personnel prepared for her transport to Cedar City Hospital,” the sheriff’s office said. “Tragically, despite their efforts, the young driver succumbed to her injuries shortly after arrival.”
Investigators from the Iron County Sheriff’s Office and crime scene experts were called to process the scene. Preliminary investigations reveal that “the victim’s vehicle was being pursued by an unknown assailant’s vehicle for several miles. During this pursuit, the assailant’s vehicle pulled alongside the victim’s and opened fire, striking the driver.
“The victim lost control of her vehicle, which then left the roadway, crashing through a vinyl fence before coming to rest approximately one hundred feet northwest of the intersection.”
The ICSO is actively investigating the incident and seeking public assistance.
“Between 10:15 and 11 p.m., we urge anyone who may have witnessed a small red pickup truck being closely followed by a dark-colored truck or SUV on Lund Highway between 1600 North and Midvalley Road or heading west on Midvalley Road towards the Three Peaks Campground area to come forward. Any information could be crucial to the ongoing investigation.
“We also request public assistance from anyone living on Lund Highway or Midvalley Road or anyone with a business in these areas. If you have surveillance camera footage and are willing to share it with us to help identify the suspect vehicle involved in this incident, please call us at 435-867-7500 or Cedar Dispatch non-emergency number at 435-586-9445.
“Our heartfelt condolences go out to the family and friends of the young woman who lost her life during this tragic act of violence.”
“If you have any information regarding this incident, please get in touch with us immediately at 435-586-9445. The Iron County Sheriff’s Office is committed to Public Safety and Justice; again, we are asking for the public’s help.”
