This article discusses suicide. If you or someone you know is struggling with suicidal thoughts, please reach out for help by contacting the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.

Authorities in Utah are investigating a tragic incident in which a father is believed to have shot his wife, three children, and critically injured his 17-year-old son before taking his own life at their residence this past week.

The tragic event was uncovered on Tuesday evening inside a home in West Valley City, located south of Salt Lake City, as reported by the police.

The situation came to light after the mother did not show up for work this week. Concerned, a relative checked the family’s garage, where they discovered the 17-year-old boy with severe injuries and promptly called the authorities.

When officers arrived, they found the 38-year-old mother and her two daughters, ages 9 and 2, deceased in an upstairs bedroom. Meanwhile, the 42-year-old father and their 11-year-old son were found in the living room.

A small handgun was retrieved from beneath the father’s body, which detectives believe was used in the shootings.

“It appears all victims sustained gunshot injuries,” stated police spokesperson Roxeanne Vainuku during a news briefing. Officials believe the shootings occurred between December 14 and 15.

Ballistic testing is underway to establish if the recovered firearm was indeed the weapon involved in the crime, Vainuku confirmed.

17-year-old son critically injured

The 17-year-old boy, found in the garage, is said to have suffered a grave gunshot wound to the head, with investigators believing he was shot inside the home and somehow managed to reach the garage.

According to updates from Wednesday night, the boy was still hospitalized with a “serious brain injury” and was unable to communicate.

Names of the victims have not yet been released as police are still in the process of notifying relatives.

Police seeking motive in potential murder-suicide

On Thursday, Vainuku stated that the investigation into this apparent murder-suicide was ongoing, with the motive still to be determined.

Detectives reported no note was found at the scene, and there are no records of domestic violence associated with this family.

“We understand the community’s desire for answers in such a tragic situation. We are all searching for a reason behind these events,” Vainuku expressed, adding that it is possible the truth may never be fully known.

In a statement released late Wednesday, West Valley City Mayor Karen Lang and the city council expressed their condolences:

“With heavy hearts, we ask our community to support the family affected by this tragedy. We also encourage support for our first responders working tirelessly to bring clarity to this case. Together, we can find healing in our community,” the statement read.

Concern raised by a relative before the tragedy

The night before the police discovered the bodies, a worried family member had contacted authorities expressing concern over not hearing from one of the family members they usually spoke with regularly.

When officers responded to the home, they received no answer. After looking through the windows and speaking with neighbors, they found no indication of an emergency and requested the family member to follow up.

Upon the mother’s absence from work, the relative returned and discovered the severely injured 17-year-old.

As of early Thursday, the teenager continued to be hospitalized in critical condition.

Anyone with any information related to this case is encouraged to reach out to the West Valley police department.