Utah Authorities Begin Investigation After 3 Women Are Found Dead

The authorities in Wayne County closed schools and urged the public to take precautions after two women were found on a hiking trail, and a third at a residence.

The authorities in central Utah began a sprawling homicide investigation on Thursday after three women were found dead the day before, according to local authorities, who closed schools and urged residents to take safety precautions.

Two women were found dead on a hiking trail after dispatchers received a call Wednesday afternoon, and the authorities found the body of a third woman at a residence in Wayne County while investigating, the Utah Department of Public Safety said in a news release early Thursday. The women were not identified, but the department said the women were in their 30s, 60s and 80s.

Law enforcement officials in Wayne County and several surrounding counties asked the public to look out for a white 2022 Subaru Outback and warned not to approach the vehicle.

Schools in the county are closed on Thursday and Friday, the local school district said, adding it was “out of an abundance of caution and concern for student and public safety.” The authorities asked residents in the town of Torrey and surrounding areas to lock their doors and remain at home if possible.

Wayne County is home to less than 3,000 residents, according to the latest government census. It is a gateway for hikers and other tourists exploring nearby national parks, including Canyonlands National Park and Capitol Reef National Park. The popular Moab Valley is about 120 miles to the east.

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