Search under way after three women found dead in Wayne County; suspect sought

Authorities in Utah are searching for a suspect after three women were found dead in and around Torrey and the broader Wayne County area, and they have issued a public alert for a specific vehicle. The Utah Department of Public Safety said the suspect remains at large and urged residents in Torrey and surrounding areas to "take extra precautions such as locking doors, staying at home or with others, and being vigilant about surroundings."

State and county officials said two women were discovered on a hiking trail after a Wednesday afternoon call, and a third victim was later found at a residence in Wayne County. The victims were described as women in their 30s, 60s, and 80s. Authorities have not released names or further identifying details and have not provided a public description of a suspect, but they asked the community to be on the lookout for a white Subaru Outback with Utah license plate U560YF. Officials warned, "Do not approach the vehicle. Instead call 911."

The Wayne County Sheriff's Office advised residents to "take extra precautions, keep lights on, keep doors locked, and remain home or with others" while investigators continue what officials have characterized as an active criminal investigation. Local closures and additional police activity were reported as authorities processed scenes, though officials have not released a full timeline of discoveries or forensic findings.

Separately, a woman in her 50s who lived in Bountiful was found dead near the Mueller Park Trailhead in Davis County after hikers located her just after 6 a.m. on February 16. Stephanie Dinsmore, public information officer for the Davis County Sheriff's Office, said, "Just after 6 o'clock this morning, a group of hikers located a deceased adult female just off the trail in Mueller Park." Detectives blocked the trailhead, processed the scene, and reopened the area by midday. Investigators said "At this time, there are no obvious signs of foul play, and we do not believe there is a threat to the public."

County investigators told reporters they believe the Bountiful resident experienced a medical episode that resulted in exposure to the elements. Investigators said, "Investigators believe the individual experienced a medical episode that led to exposure to the elementals." Final autopsy results in that case are expected in six to eight weeks, officials said. Hikers and local residents expressed surprise that the incident occurred in what is frequently described as a family area.

State officials emphasized the two matters are separate: the Wayne County deaths are an active investigation with a sought suspect and a vehicle alert, while the Bountiful death was treated as likely medical and noncriminal. Authorities also noted unrelated heat-related incidents in southern Utah state parks this summer, where public safety agencies reported several cases of heat illness and deaths amid temperatures above 100 degrees.

What remains unknown in the Wayne County probe are the victims' names, the suspect's identity, and official causes and manners of death for the three victims. Law enforcement asked anyone with information or who sees the vehicle with plate U560YF to call 911 immediately and to avoid approaching the vehicle or its occupant.