2 juveniles accused of kidnapping, killing missing Utah man, dumping his body in remote desert area
03/20/2024 12:04 pm PDT
TAYLORSVILLE, Utah (TCD) -- A homicide investigation is underway after officials reportedly found the body of a missing man in a remote desert area this week.
On March 17, the Taylorsville Police Department announced they were seeking a Jeep Liberty in connection with the possible abduction of a 21-year-old man in the area of 3800 West 5700 South. Police said the man, Alexzia "Alex" Franco, was last seen getting into the vehicle that afternoon.
On the morning of Tuesday, March 19, detectives found Franco's body in a remote desert area in Utah County with an apparent gunshot wound. Investigators also recovered the Jeep in Salt Lake County.
Police arrested two teenage boys, ages 15 and 17, in connection with the case.
In a press conference posted by KTVX-TV, Taylorsville Police said investigators believe the victim knew at least one of the suspects and willingly went into a vehicle before being shot shortly after. Witnesses reportedly heard a gunshot, and the vehicle sped off.
According to the press conference, authorities believe there was a third person in the vehicle at the time of the shooting.
The investigation is ongoing.
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