Eight people, including five minors, were found dead from apparent gunshot wounds at a home in southwestern Utah, with authorities discovering the bodies after conducting a welfare check.
Per NBC News, the bodies were found inside a home in Enoch City, 178 miles northeast of Las Vegas, and authorities believed there to be no suspects at large or threats to the public, according to a press release obtained by the outlet.
“The investigation is of course ongoing with law enforcement,” Enoch City Manager Rob Dotson said during a press conference. “We’ll continue to go on until there’s more information to give out. The feelings that are happening right now, nobody can describe what they are. For those family members, friends, neighbors, there's no words to describe what it feels like this community.”
Authorities have not publicly identified the victims, but the Iron County School District confirmed in a letter that they were all from the same family.
“We all know this family, many of us have served with them in church, in community and gone to school with these individuals, and so this community at this time is hurting,” Dotson added in a video statement.
The letter read in part, “this loss is sure to raise many emotions, concerns, and questions for our entire school district, especially our students…We are saddened by the loss to our school community and will make every effort to help you and your child as needed.”
In a post on Twitter, Utah’s Governor Spencer J. Cox wrote, “Our hearts go out to all those affected by this senseless violence. Please keep the community of Enoch in your prayers.”
