Crime
Suspects arrested in shooting and killing of 17-year-old KayLee Dutton, identified
Michael Hess-Witucki is responsible for Kaylees murder. He fired the weapon 12 times.
Four men were arrested on Saturday in connection with a fatal drive-by shooting that claimed the life of 17-year-old KayLee Dutton and injured her passenger.
Investigators stated that two of the suspects admitted to following the victims’ vehicle, believing it was “stalking” them, before firing shots that killed the teen driver late Friday night.
The suspects were identified as Michael Edward Hess-Witucki, 23; Ethan Andrew Galloway, 23; Aldric S. Felipe, 21; and Matthew D. Sorber-Petri, 22.
Hess-Witucki and Galloway were arrested on suspicion of murder, 12 counts of discharging a firearm resulting in serious injury, obstruction of justice, possession of a controlled substance, and possession of a dangerous weapon by a restricted person.
Felipe and Sorber-Petri were arrested on suspicion of obstruction of justice, possession of a controlled substance, and being restricted persons in the transaction of a firearm.
According to Iron County Sheriff Ken Carpenter, KayLee Dutton and her friend were traveling in a red truck along a road northwest of Cedar City on Friday night when another vehicle began following them.
At approximately 10:42 p.m., the pursuing vehicle pulled alongside the girls’ truck and opened fire.
Authorities reported that 12 shots were fired at the truck before the suspects fled the scene.
The gunfire struck Dutton, causing her to lose control of the vehicle, which veered off the road, broke through a vinyl fence, and came to rest roughly 100 feet northwest of the intersection of Midvalley Road and 4300 West.
Emergency responders found Dutton critically injured at the scene. Despite lifesaving efforts, she succumbed to multiple gunshot wounds. Her friend, who sustained a leg injury, managed to call 911. Authorities are still investigating the cause of her injury.
Police identified Hess-Witucki as the registered owner of the vehicle involved in the shooting. According to a police affidavit, he admitted to driving the vehicle while Galloway, seated in the front passenger seat, fired the shots that killed Dutton.
Investigators stated that the suspects believed the victims’ vehicle had previously been in their neighborhood and mistook it for someone stalking them. “Both suspects admitted their actions resulted in serious bodily injury and the death of the victim,” the affidavit noted.
Authorities canvassed the area based on information provided by the surviving victim and discovered a vehicle matching the description of the suspects’ car. Witnesses in the neighborhood corroborated the timeline, providing surveillance footage that placed the suspects’ vehicle at the scene of the shooting.
Deputies obtained search warrants for the suspects’ vehicle and residence. Before executing the warrants, Hess-Witucki, Galloway, and Sorber-Petri were detained while attempting to leave a home.
During the search, deputies recovered firearms and ammunition consistent with evidence collected at the crime scene, as well as controlled substances and drug paraphernalia, including marijuana vapes, mushroom vapes, and smoking devices.
In a post-Miranda interview, both Hess-Witucki and Galloway confessed to their roles in the incident. Galloway reportedly wrote a letter of apology to Dutton’s parents, explaining his actions and providing his perspective on why he pursued and fired upon their vehicle.
Investigators determined that the suspects and victims had been in the same townhome complex for unrelated reasons prior to the shooting.
Sorber-Petri admitted to allowing Hess-Witucki and Galloway to take his firearm, fully aware it would be used to confront the perceived “stalker.” Felipe, meanwhile, remained at the residence but was aware of the pursuit and the planned confrontation, according to the affidavit.
Iron County Sheriff Ken Carpenter expressed grief and outrage over the senseless nature of the crime. “Our hearts go out to the families of these two young ladies. They werenโt doing anything wrong. They were just being teenagers having fun, and someone violently attacked them and ended their life for no apparent reason at this point,” Carpenter said.
He added, “We are dedicated to finding those responsible, and we will hold them accountable.”
The investigation remains ongoing. Authorities encourage anyone with information related to the incident to contact the Iron County Sheriffโs Office.
Arrest Details for Michael Hess-Witucki
- Agency: Iron County Sheriffโs Office (ICSO)
- Arrest Type: PCAR (Probable Cause Arrest)
- Date/Time of Arrest: January 18, 2025, at 5:47 PM
Charges:
- 76-5-203:
- 1 count of Murder in the Second Degree
- 76-10-508.1(1)(A):
- 12 counts of Felony Discharge of a Firearm โ Shooting at a Person
- 76-8-306(2)+(3C):
- 1 count of Obstruction of Justice โ Violation Not Otherwise Enumerated
- 58-37-8(2)(D):
- 1 count of Drug Possession (Marijuana/Spice)
- 76-10-503(2)(B):
- 1 count of Possession of a Dangerous Weapon by a Restricted Person
Booking Details: Ethan Galloway
- Booking Image: Ethan Galloway
- Inmate Name: ICSO
- Arresting Agency: PCAR
- Arrest Date & Time: January 18, 2025, at 5:46 PM
- Charges:
- 76-5-203: 1 count of Murder II
- 76-10-508.1(1)(A): 10 counts of Felony Discharge of Firearm – Shoot At Person
- 76-8-306(2)+(3C): 1 count of Obstruction of Justice – Violation Not Otherwise Enumerated
- 58-37-8(2)(D): 1 count of Drug Possession (Controlled Substance)
2. Booking Details: Aldric Felipe
- Booking Image: Aldric Felipe
- Inmate Name: ICSO
- Arresting Agency: PCAR
- Arrest Date & Time: January 18, 2025, at 8:23 PM
- Charges:
- 76-8-306(2)+(3C): 1 count of Obstruction of Justice – Violation Not Otherwise Enumerated
- 76-10-503(9A)+(9BIII): 1 count of Category II Restricted Person – Firearm
- 58-37-8(2)(B)(II): 1 count of Drug Possession (Controlled Substance, Schedule I/II/Analog)
3. Booking Details: Matthew Sorber-Petrie
- Booking Image: Matthew Sorber-Petrie
- Inmate Name: ICSO
- Arresting Agency: PCAR
- Arrest Date & Time: January 18, 2025, at 7:11 PM
- Charges:
- 76-8-306(2)+(3C): 1 count of Obstruction of Justice – Violation Not Otherwise Enumerated
- 76-10-503(9A)+(9BIII): 1 count of Category II Restricted Person – Firearm
- 58-37-8(2)(B)(II): 1 count of Drug Possession (Controlled Substance, Schedule I/II/Analog)
Crime
16-year-old Khyon Smith-Tate found shot to death inside Chipotle bathroom on edge of Temple University’s campus in North Philadelphia
PHILADELPHIA โ A 16-year-old boy was fatally shot inside the bathroom of a Chipotle restaurant near Temple Universityโs campus in North Philadelphia on Monday afternoon, police said, as students and staff returned for the first day of the Spring 2026 semester.
The shooting occurred at approximately 5:00 p.m. inside the Chipotle located in the 1100 block of West Montgomery Avenue, on the ground floor of The View at Montgomery apartment complex. The building is situated near Temple Universityโs Student Center and TECH Center.
Police later identified the victim as Khyon Smith-Tate, a North Philadelphia resident. Philadelphia Police Chief Inspector Scott Small said Smith-Tate was found with a gunshot wound to the chest and was pronounced dead at 5:24 p.m.
Temple University President John Fry and Vice President for Public Safety and Chief of Police Jennifer Griffin issued a joint statement following the incident:
โThe loss of life to gun violence is a profound tragedy, and there are no words that can make sense of it. Our thoughts are with the victimโs family and loved ones.โ
According to investigators, Smith-Tate and another minor entered the restaurant and requested access to the restroom. Chief Inspector Small said the shooting is believed to have occurred inside the bathroom.
Moments later, employees discovered Smith-Tate suffering from a gunshot wound. Police recovered one spent shell casing from a semiautomatic weapon inside the restroom.
Although the victimโs last known address was approximately eight blocks from the scene, authorities have not indicated what brought him to the location or what led to the shooting.
At the time of the incident, the restaurant was crowded, and multiple individuals inside the business were detained briefly for questioning. However, police said they have not yet obtained any statements from witnesses who reported hearing a gunshot.
A person of interest was taken into custody several blocks from the scene shortly after the shooting, but Chief Inspector Small said that individualโs involvement remains unclear.
As of Tuesday, police confirmed that no arrests have been made and no motive has been established.
Investigators believe Smith-Tate entered the restroom with another minor, though the whereabouts of that individual remain unknown.
Police are also seeking information about three possible suspects, described as teenagers carrying backpacks.
Chief Inspector Small noted that the area is equipped with numerous surveillance cameras, which detectives are reviewing as part of the ongoing investigation.
Authorities are asking anyone with information related to the incident to contact the Philadelphia Police Department.