WEST VALLEY CITY, Utah, Aug. 15, 2018 (Gephardt Daily) — Gov. Gary Herbert has ordered the lowering of the flag of the United States of America and the flag of the State of Utah on Friday to honor the life and service of slain code enforcement officer Jill Robinson.
Robinson, who was killed last Thursday while attempting to conduct a follow-up investigation, will be laid to rest at the Maverik Center in West Valley City that same day.
Herbert issued the following statement:
“Our hearts have been heavy this week reflecting on the loss of Jill Robinson. She gave so much to her community — not simply working as a code enforcement officer, but reaching out to all around her in constant acts of kindness. Utah has lost a wonderful mother, public servant, and friend. Jeanette and I send our deepest condolences to her family, and especially to her children.”
Robinson was a single mother to four children, and a grandmother, according to her obituary.
Flags will be flown at half-staff at all state facilities and public grounds from sunrise until sunset on Friday only. Individuals and businesses are encouraged to fly the flag at half-staff for the same length of time.
Robinson, 52, had worked more than 10 years as a city code compliance officer. She had driven to accused murderer Kevin Wayne Billings property as part of her job — as she had before, to discuss code non-compliance on his property — and was “shot at least one time,” according to the probable cause statement, filed early Friday.
Court documents filed last week said that Billings was also seen by a witness pouring gasoline on his neighbors’ house and the victim’s city truck.
West Valley City firefighters were alerted to the fires at 10:20 a.m., and responded to the area of 4102 W. Wendy Ave. Billings was taken into custody just down the street from the residence.
Billings, 64, has been formally booked for aggravated murder, a first-degree felony, aggravated arson, a first-degree felony and arson with property damages exceeding $5,000.
A judge has ordered that Billings be held in the Salt Lake County Jail without bail.
