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WAYNE COUNTY, UT — A grim discovery in the rugged heart of Utah’s canyon country has triggered a multi-county manhunt and a total lockdown of local communities. Authorities are investigating the deaths of three women as a triple homicide, an event that has shattered the peace of one of the state’s most scenic rural enclaves.
A Macabre Discovery
The crisis began Wednesday afternoon when the Utah Department of Public Safety (DPS) received a frantic alert regarding two bodies found on a popular hiking trail in Wayne County. As investigators combed the area, the tragedy deepened: a third victim was discovered deceased at a nearby residence.
The victims represent three generations, with ages reported as approximately 30, 60, and 80 years old. Official identities are being withheld pending family notification.
Man charged in Utah killings wanted victims' cars and money to get home, prosecutors allege https://t.co/lOOygeJ2jz pic.twitter.com/NgGxzR6Zfx
— New York Post (@nypost) March 6, 2026
Communities Under Lock and Key
Wayne County, a quiet region of just 2,500 residents known for its proximity to Capitol Reef National Park, has transformed into a high-security zone. The Wayne County School District announced that all campuses will remain closed through Friday, citing “an abundance of caution and concern for student safety.”
The ripple effect of the manhunt has shuttered essential services across the region, including:
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Wayne Community Health Center
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Kazan Memorial Clinic
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Wayne County Courthouse in Loa
Local Sheriff’s offices across southern and central Utah have issued stern warnings to residents, urging them to lock their doors, stay indoors, and remain vigilant until a suspect is in custody.
Public Assistance Requested: The Search for a Vehicle
State troopers and local deputies are currently searching for a specific vehicle of interest linked to the investigation.
WANTED VEHICLE: > * Model: 2022 White Subaru Outback
License Plate: U560YF
Authorities warn the public not to approach the vehicle if spotted, but to call 911 immediately.
A Shadow Over the Trails
While the motive and the connection between the trailside victims and the residential discovery remain unclear, the impact on the outdoor community is immediate. The area, frequented by hikers visiting the Fishlake National Forest and Canyonlands, is currently under heavy surveillance as “multiple sites” in and around the town of Torrey are analyzed by forensic teams.
The investigation is ongoing, and counselors will be made available to students when classes eventually resume next week.