Crime
Victim killed in Cedar City drive-by shooting identified as 17-year-old KayLee Joan Dutton
Initial investigations indicate that Hunter’s vehicle was being pursued by an unidentified assailant for several miles.
Iron County investigators are appealing to the public for information regarding the tragic death of 17-year-old KayLee Joan Dutton, who was fatally shot while driving northwest of Cedar City on Friday night, Channe2 NOW has learned.
According to a statement from Iron County Sheriff’s Lt. Dave Mitchell, dispatchers received a report of gunfire targeting a vehicle at approximately 10:42 p.m. on Friday.
Upon arriving at the scene, law enforcement and first responders discovered Dutton in a red pickup truck at the intersection of Midvalley Road and 4300 West.
Despite life-saving efforts by emergency personnel, the teenager succumbed to her injuries while being prepared for transport to Cedar City Hospital.
Initial investigations indicate that Dutton’s vehicle was being pursued by an unidentified assailant for several miles.
During the pursuit, the assailant’s vehicle pulled alongside Dutton’s truck and opened fire, striking her.
The gunfire caused Dutton to lose control of her vehicle, which swerved off the road, crashed through a vinyl fence, and came to rest approximately 100 feet northwest of the intersection.
Investigators are urging anyone with information about the incident to come forward. Specifically, they are seeking witnesses who may have observed a small red pickup truck closely followed by a dark-colored truck or SUV on Lund Highway between 1600 North and Midvalley Road on Friday night.
Additionally, they are interested in sightings of these vehicles heading west on Midvalley Road toward the Three Peaks Campground area.
Residents and businesses along the affected routes are also encouraged to check their surveillance footage for any relevant video that might assist the investigation.
“Our heartfelt condolences go out to the family and friends of the young woman who lost her life during this tragic act of violence,” Lt. Mitchell stated.
The Iron County Sheriff’s Office has provided contact numbers for anyone with information or footage that could help in solving the case:
- Iron County Sheriff’s Office: (435) 867-7500
- Cedar Dispatch (Non-Emergency): (435) 586-9445
Authorities continue to investigate this senseless act and are committed to seeking justice for KayLee Joan Dutton and her family.
MERIDIAN TOWNSHIP, Mich. – Authorities have confirmed that a suspect is in custody following a shooting incident at the Meridian Mall on Friday afternoon.
As a result, the lockdown at the mall has been lifted.
The Meridian Township Police Department issued a public advisory just before 2:00 p.m., urging residents and shoppers to avoid the area near the Dick’s Sporting Goods entrance while officers conducted an active investigation at the scene.
At this time, police have not released specific details regarding the nature of the shooting, including whether anyone was injured or the circumstances surrounding the suspect’s arrest.
Law enforcement officials continue to investigate the incident and are expected to provide additional information as it becomes available.
The public is asked to remain clear of the immediate area to allow for the ongoing investigation.