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Crime

Victim killed in Cedar City drive-by shooting identified as 17-year-old KayLee Joan Dutton

Initial investigations indicate that Hunter’s vehicle was being pursued by an unidentified assailant for several miles.

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Iron County investigators are appealing to the public for information regarding the tragic death of 17-year-old KayLee Joan Hunter, who was fatally shot while driving northwest of Cedar City on Friday night, Channe2 NOW has learned.

Iron County investigators are appealing to the public for information regarding the tragic death of 17-year-old KayLee Joan Dutton, who was fatally shot while driving northwest of Cedar City on Friday night, Channe2 NOW has learned.

According to a statement from Iron County Sheriff’s Lt. Dave Mitchell, dispatchers received a report of gunfire targeting a vehicle at approximately 10:42 p.m. on Friday.

Upon arriving at the scene, law enforcement and first responders discovered Dutton in a red pickup truck at the intersection of Midvalley Road and 4300 West.

Despite life-saving efforts by emergency personnel, the teenager succumbed to her injuries while being prepared for transport to Cedar City Hospital.

Initial investigations indicate that Dutton’s vehicle was being pursued by an unidentified assailant for several miles.

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During the pursuit, the assailant’s vehicle pulled alongside Dutton’s truck and opened fire, striking her.

The gunfire caused Dutton to lose control of her vehicle, which swerved off the road, crashed through a vinyl fence, and came to rest approximately 100 feet northwest of the intersection.

Investigators are urging anyone with information about the incident to come forward. Specifically, they are seeking witnesses who may have observed a small red pickup truck closely followed by a dark-colored truck or SUV on Lund Highway between 1600 North and Midvalley Road on Friday night.

Additionally, they are interested in sightings of these vehicles heading west on Midvalley Road toward the Three Peaks Campground area.

Residents and businesses along the affected routes are also encouraged to check their surveillance footage for any relevant video that might assist the investigation.

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“Our heartfelt condolences go out to the family and friends of the young woman who lost her life during this tragic act of violence,” Lt. Mitchell stated.

The Iron County Sheriff’s Office has provided contact numbers for anyone with information or footage that could help in solving the case:

  • Iron County Sheriff’s Office: (435) 867-7500
  • Cedar Dispatch (Non-Emergency): (435) 586-9445

Authorities continue to investigate this senseless act and are committed to seeking justice for KayLee Joan Dutton and her family.


Crime

2 shot outside Brown Middle School in Forney, Two Suspects in Custody

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The Kaufman County Sheriff’s Department is actively investigating a shooting that took place Friday afternoon near Brown Middle School in Forney ISD. Authorities confirmed that two individuals were shot in a residential neighborhood near Windmill Farms Boulevard, just outside Forney city limits.

The Kaufman County Sheriff’s Department is actively investigating a shooting that took place Friday afternoon near Brown Middle School in Forney ISD.

Authorities confirmed that two individuals were shot in a residential neighborhood near Windmill Farms Boulevard, just outside Forney city limits.

In response to the incident, two individuals have been taken into custody in connection with the shooting.

However, law enforcement has not yet released details regarding their identities or possible motives.

Forney ISD officials confirmed the presence of an active crime scene in the vicinity, prompting precautionary security measures across multiple campuses.

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Brown Middle School, along with North Forney Middle School, Smith Intermediate, Dewberry Elementary, Blackburn Elementary, and Forney Learning Academy, were placed in “secure” mode as a safety precaution.

Despite the close proximity of the shooting, Forney ISD emphasized that the incident did not occur on school grounds and that all students and staff remained safe throughout the situation.

News footage from the scene showed crime scene tape around a vehicle parked in front of the school.

The district lifted the security measures at approximately 3:30 p.m. and began releasing students to their parents.

Students who walk home were expected to leave at their normal dismissal time of 4:00 p.m., though minor delays were anticipated for bus routes.

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Law enforcement officials continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the shooting. No further details have been provided regarding the condition of the victims.


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