A tragic and heartbreaking incident in Utah has left a community in shock after a 17-year-old girl, KayLee Dutton, was killed in a horrifying act of violence. On January 17, KayLee and her 18-year-old friend were chased down in a truck and fired upon by two men who reportedly shot at her 12 times, ultimately taking her life.
Four men—Aldric Felipe (21), Ethan Galloway (23), Michael Hess-Witucki (23), and Matthew Sorber-Petrie (22)—were arrested in connection with the case. On January 18, just a day after the tragic event, they were taken into custody and are now being held without bail at the Iron County Jail. According to police, two of the suspects, Galloway and Hess-Witucki, face charges of murder and 12 counts of felony discharge of a firearm. All four are also charged with obstruction of justice and possession of a controlled substance.
The series of events leading up to this tragedy began when KayLee and her friend were at an apartment complex in Cedar City, Utah. Both the girls and the suspects happened to be there for unrelated reasons, according to investigators. Witnesses reported seeing a black truck, which authorities later identified as belonging to Hess-Witucki, near the complex. Surveillance footage confirmed its presence.
The suspects’ actions unfolded when they followed KayLee’s truck as it left the complex. Hess-Witucki admitted to police that he was the driver, while Galloway, sitting in the passenger seat, fired the gun that killed KayLee. During their police interviews, both men reportedly confessed to their roles in the crime. Their explanation for the chase? They claimed they had seen KayLee’s truck in their neighborhood before and believed its occupants were stalking them.
Galloway, apparently overwhelmed with guilt, wrote a letter to KayLee’s parents apologizing for his actions. Another suspect, Sorber-Petrie, admitted to providing the gun used in the shooting, fully aware of the others’ intentions to confront KayLee.
KayLee’s family is devastated by the loss of their vibrant, loving daughter. Her father, Waylon Dutton, shared his final moments with her before she left home that day. He recalled her saying she and her friend were heading out to “find something to do.” His last words to her were a heartfelt plea to “just be careful.”
This senseless tragedy has left many grappling with grief and anger. KayLee’s life was taken far too soon, and her story serves as a reminder of the devastating impact of violence in our communities.
