A Utah man was arrested after confessing to the murders of his wife, mother-in-law, and father-in-law, according to an official release from authorities.
At 9:45 AM on Friday, May 19, Jeremy Bailey, 34, contacted the Layton City Police Department dispatch to admit to all three killings. The release stated that he remained on the phone with authorities until they arrived at his home near Salt Lake City.
Responding officers instructed Bailey to exit the premises before taking him into custody. At the scene, police discovered the bodies of three victims: his 36-year-old wife, Anastasia Stevens; 61-year-old Becky Stevens (Anastasia’s step-mother); and 73-year-old Donald Stevens (Anastasia’s father).
In addition, police found three of the family’s four dogs dead.
The incident occurred at the residence where Jeremy Bailey and Anastasia lived, while Becky and Donald Stevens, residents of Nevada, were visiting, according to the police.
Layton Police revealed that a motive has yet to be determined. Investigations are underway to ascertain the cause of death.
As per a probable cause affidavit, Bailey allegedly informed authorities that he had contemplated the act for a few days. He claimed that the victims had been dead for 20 minutes before his call, during which he alluded to a “murder-suicide.”
Bailey posted a message on his wife’s Facebook page, reading: “MASSACRE SUICIDE: Jeremy Bailey JUST KILLED EVERYONE – Becky Stevens, Don Stevens AND 3 OF THE 4 DOGS. 1832 EAST GENTILE STREET, LAYTON.”
According to the affidavit, one of the three victims had expressed their concerns to a therapist earlier in the day, indicating they might need legal intervention after discovering something disturbing.
Jail records show that Bailey has been booked on charges of aggravated murder, discharging a firearm, and aggravated animal cruelty.
Neighbor Del Mar Stevens, who is not related to the family, described the couple as friendly, saying they introduced themselves with an offer of assistance if needed. Stevens depicted them as ordinary people, blending into the rest of the neighborhood.
Stevens also commented on the rarity of such incidents in their neighborhood, stating that such occurrences are usually found in other neighborhoods.
