A heartbreaking incident has left a Utah community in shock after a mother of three was found dead in her home earlier this month. While no one has been charged with causing her death, police have questioned her husband about what he did afterward.
On January 13, 39-year-old Autumn Ray Christiansen Mercado was found lifeless at the bottom of the stairs in her home in West Jordan, a suburb south of Salt Lake City. Concerned about her safety, a coworker had called the police for a welfare check after not being able to reach her for a while. The coworker also mentioned that Autumn had a history of domestic violence in her past.
When officers arrived at Iron Core Lane around 2:30 p.m., they immediately felt something was off. Their suspicions grew when they found her husband, Carlos Mercado, inside the home.
A Suspicious Discovery
Carlos Mercado, 47, was taken in for questioning. While he hasn’t been charged in connection with his wife’s death, he is now facing charges of failing to report a death and child abandonment.
When police knocked on the door, Carlos answered and told them he was just about to call them about his wife’s death. However, officers quickly noticed several open alcohol containers in the kitchen and living room, and Carlos himself smelled strongly of alcohol and had trouble keeping his balance.
According to a probable cause affidavit, Carlos told police that he and Autumn had been drinking the night before. He said he went to sleep between 4 a.m. and 5 a.m. and when he woke up, he thought his wife was simply asleep at the bottom of the stairs. He claimed that since she suffered from vertigo, she must have fallen. He said he tried to wake her up, but when she didn’t respond, he covered her with a blanket—and then left the house.
Instead of calling 911, Carlos booked a ride-share and went to a gas station to buy more beer.
Leaving the Kids Behind
Shockingly, while Carlos was out getting more alcohol, he left the couple’s two young children—just 1 and 4 years old—alone at home.
By the time police arrived later that afternoon, Autumn had been dead for hours. Officers noted that rigor mortis had already set in, meaning she had been deceased long before Carlos even left for the store. Surveillance footage from the gas station confirmed that he was out shopping for beer about an hour after first noticing his wife’s body.
Thankfully, the children are now safe, police confirmed.
A Life Full of Kindness and Strength
Autumn Mercado was a registered nurse who dreamed of becoming a nurse practitioner one day. Her loved ones describe her as someone who was full of energy, warmth, and kindness.
Her obituary highlights how she had a passion for gymnastics, winning many competitions and inspiring those around her. Her sister, Summer Christiansen, shared memories of how Autumn always wanted to help others—even as a child.
“I remember when she was a kid, she wanted to go feed the homeless or help people who didn’t have a place to live,” Summer told the media. “She was always trying to help individuals.”
Her family has set up a GoFundMe to raise money for her three children and funeral expenses.
“Not only was she beautiful, but inside, her soul was huge. Her heart was ginormous,” Summer said. “I want people to remember Autumn as the daughter, the sister, and the mother that she was and the everlasting effects she has on everyone that she’s left behind.”
A Troubling History
Carlos Mercado had a history of domestic violence against Autumn. In 2019, he was convicted of felony aggravated assault against her when they were engaged. In 2021, he was charged with assault and domestic violence in front of a child, but that case was later dismissed. Then, in 2022, he was again found guilty of domestic violence and assault in front of a child.
For now, police are continuing their investigation into what exactly happened to Autumn. While Carlos has not been charged in connection with her death, the circumstances surrounding it remain deeply troubling.
