Girl shoots, kills family member in Utah, sheriff’s office says

KANARRAVILLE, Utah (KSL) — A girl shot and killed her mother early Saturday in Iron County, officials said.

Deputies responded to a gunshot wound in the area of 400 S. Main St. in Kanarraville about 4:19 a.m.

“It was reported a juvenile female had intentionally shot an adult family member,” the Iron County Sheriff’s Office said in a prepared statement on Facebook.

Deputies tried to render aid, but they found the woman who had been shot was deceased.

The woman was later identified as 45-year-old Mary Ellen Billings, also known as Mary Ellen Crase, of Kanarraville.

A .38-caliber handgun was recovered at the scene, which officers “suspected to have been used in the incident,” Iron County Sheriff’s Lt. Shawn Peterson said.

Officials did not disclose what led up to the shooting.

The 15-year-old girl, whose identity was not released, was taken into custody.

“This is an active investigation, and no further information is being released at this time. … This is an isolated incident, and there is no threat to the community,” the sheriff’s office said.

Mary Ellen Crase had recently spoken to KSL about her concerns over Flock cameras in front of her home. The single mother of four had expressed concerns about vandalism happening near their home, describing herself and children as survivors of domestic violence.

Iron County School District said in a statement that the shooting involved a student.

“It is with profound sadness that the Iron County School District confirms a tragic event occurred over the weekend involving a student, which resulted in the death of the student’s mother,” the school district said.

“On behalf of the district leadership, administration, and school board, we extend our deepest sympathies and heartfelt prayers to the family and everyone affected by this devastating loss,” it added.

District officials said they’re focused on the well-being of students, staff “and the broader community.”

The District Crisis Response Team that includes school counselors, mental health professionals and others will be on “impacted” campuses on Monday, the district said.

“We encourage any students, staff, or community members in need of immediate emotional or crisis support to utilize the SafeUT Service by calling 833-372-3388 or submitting a tip through the SafeUT app, which offers free, confidential 24/7 crisis intervention with licensed mental health counselors,” district officials added.