Utah woman found covered in blood and in fetal position accused of killing veteran stepfather
05/27/2022 2:41 pm PDT
SPRINGVILLE, Utah (TCD) -- A 33-year-old woman has been arrested for allegedly shooting her stepfather and then refusing to cooperate with police.
According to KSTU-TV, on Wednesday, May 25, Springville Police responded to a call about an elderly man who needed help with his feeding tube. The man’s stepdaughter and the suspect, Krista Mortensen, allegedly ran to a neighbor’s house and asked her to call 911 because Mortensen said she lost her phone. When asked what was wrong, Mortensen allegedly responded, "Mike is dying."
Springville Police arrived at the scene and found 75-year-old Michael Huff suffering a gunshot wound to the head. A gun was reportedly found near his feet.
Mortensen reportedly locked herself in a room while police were inside the house and "refused to come out or make any statements regarding the welfare of her father."
KSL-TV reports police eventually made entry into Mortensen’s room and found her "laying in the fetal position on a bed and she had blood on her hands, arms, and clothing."
Police reportedly moved her to the living room after reading her Miranda rights. Court documents cited by KSL say Mortensen "made multiple spontaneous statements about killing and shooting her father. The statements were made not in response to questions asked by any officers."
Mortensen, who reportedly has a lengthy criminal record, allegedly "fought officers and medical personnel" as they worked to receive warrants to search the home.
Huff’s family told KUTV-TV in a statement, "Michael Huff, who passed away yesterday, served with the 101st Airborne Division from 1969 to 1971 in the Vietnam conflict. He was awarded the Bronze Star three times and received several other commendations and citations for service."
Huff’s death reportedly marks Springville’s third shooting in just about a week.
Utah County Jail records show Mortensen was booked on charges of murder, possession of a dangerous weapon, and obstruction of justice. She is being held without bail.
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