Three Women Found Dead in Wayne County, Utah; Authorities Launch Homicide Investigation
A major homicide investigation is underway in Wayne County after three women were found dead in separate locations Wednesday, prompting a large multi-agency law enforcement response and a public safety alert across the region.
Officials with the Utah Department of Public Safety (DPS) confirmed that the agency has activated investigative resources to assist the Wayne County Sheriff’s Office as authorities work to determine what led to the deaths.
Investigators from the Utah State Bureau of Investigation and forensic specialists from the Utah Department of Public Safety Crime Lab are currently assisting with evidence collection, crime scene processing, and investigative support at multiple locations in and around the small community of Torrey.
Bodies Discovered Along Hiking Trail
According to authorities, the investigation began Wednesday afternoon when dispatchers received a call reporting the discovery of two deceased women along a hiking trail in Wayne County.
When deputies and emergency personnel arrived at the scene, they confirmed the presence of two victims and began securing the area. As investigators expanded their search and began processing the scene, additional evidence prompted them to examine other nearby locations.
During that expanded investigation, authorities discovered a third victim inside a residence elsewhere in Wayne County.
Officials have confirmed that all three deaths are being treated as homicides.
Victims’ Identities Withheld
Authorities have not yet publicly released the identities of the victims, explaining that next-of-kin notifications are still underway.
However, investigators confirmed the approximate ages of the victims:
-
Victim 1: Female in her 30s
-
Victim 2: Female in her 60s
-
Victim 3: Female in her 80s
Officials say they will release the victims’ names once family members have been formally notified.
Vehicle Sought in Investigation
As the investigation continues, authorities are asking the public for help locating a vehicle that may be connected to the case.
Investigators are searching for a 2022 white Subaru Outback with Utah license plate U560YF.
Officials believe the vehicle could be linked to the homicide investigation and have issued a strong warning to the public not to approach the vehicle if it is spotted.
Instead, authorities urge anyone who sees the vehicle to contact law enforcement immediately.
Tips can be submitted to the Statewide Information and Analysis Center by email at siac@utah.gov or by phone at (801) 965-3838. Residents are also encouraged to call 911 if they believe they have encountered the vehicle or have urgent information related to the case.
Public Safety Alert Issued
Because the suspect has not yet been located, law enforcement agencies have issued safety warnings to residents in Torrey and surrounding communities.
Authorities are advising residents to:
-
Lock doors and secure homes
-
Keep exterior lights turned on
-
Avoid being alone when possible
-
Immediately report suspicious activity to law enforcement
The Wayne County Sheriff’s Office issued a countywide alert urging residents to remain vigilant while investigators work to determine what happened.
Neighboring jurisdictions have also shared warnings in an effort to keep residents informed.
Regional Law Enforcement Response
Authorities across several counties in southern Utah have joined the effort to monitor the situation and assist with information sharing.
The Sevier County Sheriff’s Office asked residents to report sightings of the same white Subaru Outback, noting that the vehicle may be connected to the Wayne County investigation.
Additional advisories were issued by the Garfield County Sheriff’s Office, which initially encouraged residents to remain indoors and secure their homes. Officials later said they no longer believed there was an immediate threat within that county.
Other agencies, including the San Juan County Sheriff’s Office, Emery County Sheriff’s Office, and Grand County Sheriff’s Office, also circulated alerts asking residents to remain cautious and report suspicious activity.
FBI Monitoring Situation
A spokesperson for the Federal Bureau of Investigation field office in Salt Lake City said the agency is aware of the investigation and stands ready to assist local authorities if requested.
For now, the case remains under the leadership of local and state investigators.
Family Members Speak Out
Family members of one of the victims have already begun speaking publicly about the tragedy.
A woman identified as Tracy Jacobson told local media that two of the victims were related to her family.
“This was my niece and her father’s sister that were murdered. I’m heartbroken,” Jacobson said.
Jacobson alleged that the suspect may have stolen her niece’s vehicle after the killing and suggested the suspect could also be connected to the death of an elderly woman earlier in the town of Lyman.
According to her account, the elderly woman’s vehicle was later discovered near the location where her niece was shot, while her niece’s white Subaru Outback was allegedly taken by the suspect.
Authorities have not publicly confirmed those details, and investigators have urged the public to rely on official information as the case develops.
Schools Closed as Precaution
In response to the unfolding situation, the Wayne County School District announced that schools will be closed Thursday and Friday.
District officials said the decision was made “out of an abundance of caution for student and public safety.”
The district also said counselors will be available to help students process the situation when classes resume.
Community on Edge
Residents across the region reported seeing a heavy law enforcement presence throughout Wednesday, with patrol vehicles and investigators moving between different locations as the investigation progressed.
One Torrey resident told local media she observed numerous police vehicles and investigators working in the area throughout the day.
While authorities have not yet confirmed whether all reported incidents in the region are connected, the possibility has contributed to heightened concern among residents.
Investigation Continues
Officials emphasize that the investigation remains active and rapidly developing.
Detectives continue to analyze evidence, interview witnesses, and track the vehicle believed to be linked to the case.
Authorities say additional details—including the identities of the victims and information about potential suspects—will be released as the investigation progresses.
For now, law enforcement agencies across southern Utah remain focused on locating the vehicle connected to the case and determining what led to the deaths of the three women in Wayne County. 🚨🕯️