A father killed his wife, five children and his mother-in-law before shooting himself, police said.
Officials in Utah said Michael Haight, 42, shot and killed his wife, 40, weeks after she filed for divorce.
He is also believed to have killed their three daughters, aged 7, 12 and 17, their two sons, aged 4 and 7, and Mrs Haight’s 78-year-old mother before shooting himself on Wednesday Gail Earl.
After 20 years of marriage, Mrs Haight filed for divorce from her husband on December 21.
Enoch Police Chief Jackson Ames said yesterday that authorities had inspected the property in recent years over domestic disturbances.
Police have not confirmed his motive was his wife’s divorce.
James Park, a lawyer representing Mrs Haight in the divorce, said she had not expressed concern that her husband would harm her.
Neighbors of the town’s 8,000 residents gathered outside the property yesterday to pray and sing hymns.
President Joe Biden and first lady Jill Biden said they were “in mourning with the Enoch, Utah community” following the “tragic shooting.”
The White House statement continued: “Less than a month after we commemorated the tragedy at Sandy Hook 10 years ago, another mass shooting claimed the lives of five more children in Enoch.”
Tributes left by mourners.Photo: Associated Press
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‘This community is hurting’
Neighbors said the family was active in the Mormon community, adding that they were “very enthusiastic,” local news site KSL reported.
Mrs Haight’s sister-in-law Jane Earle wrote on Facebook that she tried “very hard” to be the children’s favorite auntie.
She added: “I pray that the love of Christ will heal our broken hearts and fill us with forgiveness and peace.”
Police continue to investigate at the home in the suburb of Enoch.Photo: Associated Press
Rob Dotson, city manager for Enoch City Corporation, said, “Many of us have served with them in church, in the community, and gone to school with these people.
“This community at this time is hurting. They’re feeling lost, they’re suffering, they’ve got a lot of problems.”
The child’s school district said crisis intervention teams were available for students.
“We are saddened by the loss of our school community and will do everything in our power to assist you and your child as needed,” the Iron County School District wrote.