A 17-year-old girl was fatally shot in Iron County, Utah, in a case involving four suspects who believed the victim and her friend were stalking them. Investigators have uncovered evidence linking the suspects to the crime, including firearms and admissions of guilt.
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CEDAR CITY, UT (3-minute read) — Authorities in Iron County have arrested four men in connection with the tragic killing of a 17-year-old girl who was fatally shot while driving with a friend. The incident, which occurred northwest of Cedar City, has left the community reeling as chilling details emerge about the suspects’ motivations and actions.
According to investigators, Michael Edward Hess-Witacki, 23, and Ethan Andrew Galloway, 23, pursued the victim’s truck in a black Chevrolet Silverado on suspicion that she and her 18-year-old passenger were stalking them. Witness accounts and surveillance footage placed the black truck near the crime scene.
While pursuing the teens, Galloway fired 12 shots, striking the driver and causing her to lose control of the vehicle, which veered off the road and crashed. The driver succumbed to her injuries at the scene, while her passenger suffered a minor shrapnel wound.
Hess-Witacki and Galloway were arrested on charges including murder, multiple firearm discharges, and obstruction of justice. Two other men, Aldric S. Felipe, 21, and Matthew D. Sorber-Petri, 22, were charged with obstruction of justice and firearm-related offenses.
Investigators revealed that Sorber-Petri supplied the firearm used in the shooting and allowed the pair to use his vehicle to confront the victim. A search of the suspects’ residence uncovered multiple firearms, ammunition matching the crime scene, and illegal substances.
The affidavit noted that the suspects mistakenly believed the victims were stalking them after seeing their truck near the same townhome complex earlier that evening. Galloway later wrote a letter of apology to the victim’s family, admitting to his role in the shooting.
If they truly believed that the young women were stalking them; that’s a phone call to the police, not a hunting expedition.
Safety Tip: Always remain aware of your surroundings and avoid escalating confrontations with other drivers. If you feel threatened, contact law enforcement immediately.
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