Police reported that Michael Haight, a Utah father who fatally shot his wife, five children, and mother-in-law before taking his own life on January 4, left a suicide note. 

In the note, Haight blamed his wife Tausha for his actions and claimed that he would rather rot in hell than continue dealing with her manipulations and control. The 42-year-old man was being investigated for child abuse before the tragic event, and caseworkers had previously visited the family home several times. However, in the note, Haight portrays himself as the victim.

Police reports indicate that Haight had a history of violent behavior. He had thrown his son to the ground in a fit of rage, and his eldest daughter, Macie, reported that he would often yell and intimidate his children. 

The police have released body cam footage, which shows officers entering the family’s home in Enoch, Utah, after the shooting. The footage revealed a disturbingly silent house.

Police investigations indicate that Haight removed firearms from the house days before the murders and searched online for “gunshot in a house.” 

Tausha filed for divorce from Haight on December 21 and informed authorities that he had threatened to commit suicide or make her life hell if she left him. Caseworkers had initiated an investigation into the family based on allegations of abuse involving their older daughter on December 19. However, Tausha requested that they delay interviewing Haight until after she filed for divorce, and they never questioned him.

Police records indicate that Haight was investigated for child abuse in 2020, but he was never charged. According to his daughter Macie, he committed multiple acts of violence against her, including choking her and throwing her against the hard part of the couch by grabbing her head. Haight, however, denied assaulting her and admitted that he got angry sometimes.

The tragic event shook the small town of Enoch and reminded everyone of the importance of protecting vulnerable members of society from abuse and violence. 

The investigation into the Haight family’s case continues as authorities seek to understand the events leading up to the tragedy and prevent similar occurrences in the future.