According to police, a family in West Valley City, Utah, was found on the 17th with 5 members dead at home, including three children aged 2, 9, and 11, all of whom died from gunshot wounds. Additionally, a 17-year-old family member is injured.
Foreign media reported that the police stated there are currently no suspects at large, suggesting the shooter is a member of the family.
West Valley City police spokesperson Vainuku told media reporters: "We do not believe there is a suspect at large. At this stage, we consider this an isolated incident confined to this household."
Vainuku said the injured boy is receiving treatment in a hospital, and it is too early to determine whether he is a suspect or a victim.
Vainuku pointed out that the five deceased are a 42-year-old male, a 38-year-old female, an 11-year-old boy, and two girls aged 9 and 2.
He said: "This case goes far beyond any usual circumstances. The city has had four (homicide) cases the entire year before this, so this case alone has more than doubled the count. ... This will undoubtedly be a heavy burden for investigators."
West Valley City is a suburb of Salt Lake City with a population of about 134,000.
Vainuku stated that a concerned relative asked the police to check on the family on the 16th. Upon arrival, no one responded from inside, and officers, looking through the windows, found no signs of emergency or crime.
One of the deceased, a 38-year-old woman, failed to show up for work on the 17th, prompting a relative to enter the home, where they found the injured 17-year-old in the garage. Police said that upon receiving the report, officers entered the home and discovered the bodies of the other victims.