KayLee Dutton Obituary, Death News: Cedar City community reacts to 17-year-old girl’s death in shooting.
KayLee Dutton Obituary, Death News – The Cedar City community is mourning the loss of a 17-year-old girl who was fatally shot on Friday. The incident, which occurred on a remote road near Midvalley Road and 4300 West, has left residents in shock and grieving the tragic death of KayLee Dutton. Four men have been identified and charged in connection with the shooting.
Michael Hess-Witucki and Ethan Galloway are facing multiple charges, including second-degree murder, 12 counts of felony discharge of a firearm, obstruction of justice, and drug possession. Two other suspects, Aldric Felipe and Matthew Sorber-Petrie, have been charged with obstruction of justice and unlawful possession of a firearm. The Iron County Sheriff’s Office has been investigating the case, with Sheriff Kenneth Carpenter confirming that the suspects claimed to have believed they were being stalked by someone in a red pickup truck.
Hess-Witucki admitted to driving the vehicle that the suspects thought was being pursued, while Galloway confessed to firing the shots. Investigators revealed that the suspects followed Dutton’s car along Midvalley Road for several miles before pulling alongside and opening fire, shooting at least 12 rounds into the moving vehicle. The victim’s car crashed into a vinyl fence, and she was later transported to Cedar City Hospital, where she succumbed to her injuries.
A memorial has been set up at the crash site, where community members have gathered to honor Dutton’s memory. Flowers, stuffed animals, and even a miniature motorbike toy have been left at the location as tokens of remembrance. Dawn Wilson, a local resident who lives near the crash site, expressed her profound sadness over the senseless loss. “It just hurts my heart,” Wilson said, reflecting on the tragedy. She shared that she had recently lost her 40-year-old son, but the loss of a 17-year-old girl, with no apparent reason behind it, felt especially heartbreaking.
The Iron County School District, where Dutton was a former student, also expressed its sorrow and support for the family and friends affected by the tragedy. The district issued a statement, noting how shocked and saddened they were by the news of her death. “Our thoughts and condolences are with her family and friends,” the district stated. They acknowledged the profound impact the incident had on the community, particularly as more details emerged about the events of that night.
Shauna Lund, a representative for the district, shared that additional counselors would be made available to support grieving students at Parowan High School, Canyon View High School, and Parowan Elementary School. The community’s grief is palpable, and the district is providing resources to help students cope with the loss.
The Iron County Sheriff’s Office continues to investigate the case and has asked anyone with information to contact them at 435-586-9445. While the suspects have been arrested and charged, the community still seeks answers, and the investigation is ongoing to uncover all the details surrounding the fatal shooting.
This tragic event has left the Cedar City community shaken, with many questioning how such a senseless act of violence could occur. The loss of a young life for no apparent reason has left a lasting impact on both the immediate family of the victim and the community at large. As the investigation continues, the community holds its breath, hoping for justice while grappling with the grief of losing a young girl with a bright future ahead of her.
As memorials grow and the community comes together in mourning, the family and friends of KayLee Dutton, along with the rest of Cedar City, are left to cope with the pain and heartbreak of an irreplaceable loss. The events of Friday night have left a scar on the community, and as authorities work to piece together the details, the focus remains on honoring the memory of a young girl whose life was tragically cut short.
