WEST JORDAN, Utah (AP) — Police were searching Monday for a Utah man who they said forced his way into the home of a couple he knew and killed them both, leaving behind their three young children.
Albert Enoch Johnson, 31, was likely cut on his hands or legs by a knife during the violence in the backyard overnight Saturday in their home in West Jordan, about 15 miles (24 kilometers) south of Salt Lake City, police said.
“This was not a random act. We do believe it was a targeted act of violence, and an isolated act,” said West Jordan Police Sgt. J.C. Holt.
He declined to say how Johnson knew 30-year-old Katherine Butterfield and 31-year-old Tony Butterfield. He lives in the area, but not near their home, police said. He may be driving a dark gray 2008 Toyota Corolla with Utah license plate V464MW.
They are still investigating why he targeted them, and police do not believe the couple was involved with anything illegal.
“It’s horrific,” Holt said. “Their three children have been left without parents.”
Johnson has a criminal history, Holt said. No attorney was immediately listed for him in court documents.
The couple’s three children, all under 4 years old, were unharmed. They are staying with family.
A neighbor called police to report gunshots and a woman screaming. The intruder appeared to have rummaged through the home, but police were not sure what may have been taken.
Tony Butterfield was found shot to death in the backyard, and his wife was found fatally shot just inside the back door.
Visitors left flowers, notes and candles outside the home of one of Katherine Butterfield’s relatives Saturday. An online fundraising account collected more than $100,000 in donations for the family in less than 24 hours.
“It was the least we could do. We all love them so much, and it was an unfathomable thing that happened,” said Molly McKeon, a family friend who helped organize the vigil, told KSL-TV. “It was our only way to really show support.”
