Utah woman and her dog killed after boyfriend allegedly locked them in storage unit, set it on fire

MURRAY, Utah (TCD) -- A 30-year-old man out on bond was arrested for allegedly locking his girlfriend and her dog in a storage unit and setting it on fire, killing them.

KUTV-TV reports the Murray City Fire Department responded to a blaze at CubeSmart Self Storage on South 900 East on Saturday, Feb. 18, at 4:42 p.m. After extinguishing the fire, officials located one person and one dog deceased in the storage unit where the fire broke out.

Murray City Police identified the victim as 27-year-old Morgan Kay Harris, and her dog, Huck. Harris' family released a statement via the police department and said she was "always known for her sweet, shy, and kind temperament, being a deep thinker with amazing artistic abilities and always having an infectious giggle."

The statement said Harris worked as a model, makeup artist, and medical assistant who had just started a new job in Draper.

Police arrested Harris' boyfriend, 30-year-old Alexander Wardell. Salt Lake County Jail records show he was booked on charges of kidnapping, negligent homicide, violation of parole, two counts of aggravated assault, possession of a dangerous weapon, and two counts of criminal mischief.

KSTU-TV reports Wardell allegedly told police he locked Harris and Huck in the storage unit before setting it on fire and leaving.

According to KUTV, Wardell has a criminal history and was released on bond one day before allegedly killing them. He reportedly violated his probation Feb. 16 and got out of jail after paying a $5,000 bond Feb. 17.

Wardell is currently being held without bond.

MORE:

• Fire kills one person, dog at Murray storage unit - KUTV
• Woman identified after allegedly being locked in storage unit before fatal fire - KUTV
• Man arrested after girlfriend dies in Murray storage unit fire - KSTU
• Suspect released on bond one day before fatal storage unit fire in Murray - KUTV
• Salt Lake County Jail inmate information