Tragedy in Fillmore, Utah: Community Mourns Loss of Three Family Members in Apparent Murder-Suicide
Late on July 24, 2025, at approximately 8:30 p.m., the Millard County Sheriff’s Office responded to a distressing report in Flowell, an unincorporated community just west of Fillmore, Utah. Upon arrival, deputies discovered three deceased individuals inside a residence—two adults and a toddler.
🧾 Victim Identities Confirmed
Authorities have since identified the victims as:
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Jay Dean Stevens, 28
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Colleen F. Halsey, 67 (Jay’s grandmother)
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Harper Elaina Stevens, 23-month-old daughter of Jay Stevens
🔍 Preliminary Investigation Findings
The Millard County Sheriff’s Office indicates that:
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Jay Stevens and his grandmother, Colleen Halsey, died of apparent gunshot wounds.
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Evidence suggests a murder-suicide, with Jay suspected of fatally shooting his grandmother before turning the gun on himself. A firearm consistent with the wounds was recovered at the scene.
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The cause of death for Harper Elaina Stevens remains undetermined pending autopsy results.
🌆 Community Context & Response
Flowell is a rural Millard County settlement of roughly 100 residents, located about five miles west of I‑15 near Fillmore. Residents described it as a tight-knit, peaceful community where such a tragedy was unprecedented.
The Sheriff’s Office emphasized the depth of this loss:
“This incident rises to every level of tragedy… We are broken hearted for family members who mourn these losses…” They also assured the public that there was no threat to public safety stemming from the incident.
📋 Incident Summary
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| When | Evening of July 24, 2025 (~8:30 p.m.) |
| Where | Residence in Flowell, near Fillmore, Millard County, Utah |
| Victims | Jay Dean Stevens (28), Colleen F. Halsey (67), Harper Elaina Stevens (23 months) |
| Cause (adults) | Apparent gunshot wounds; murder‑suicide suspected |
| Cause (child) | Undetermined pending autopsy |
| Community Reaction | Devastated rural area, rare occurrence in Flowell neighborhood |
| Public Safety | No ongoing threat; investigation ongoing |
💔 What Lies Ahead
The Millard County Sheriff’s Office continues its investigation, including:
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Finalizing autopsy and toxicology results
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Conducting interviews and scene analysis
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Coordinating with state forensic teams as needed
Local authorities asked for patience and respect for the family’s privacy as they work toward clarity and resolution.
🕯 In Closing
This heartbreaking event—affecting three members of one family, including a toddler—has shaken the residents of Flowell and Fillmore, Utah. As investigators aim to piece together the full circumstances, the community mourns and supports one another, emphasizing the urgent need for understanding, privacy, and respect during this difficult time.