WAYNE COUNTY, Utah — Authorities in Wayne County are investigating multiple suspicious deaths and urging residents across the county to remain vigilant and secure their homes as law enforcement agencies work to determine the circumstances surrounding the incidents.

The Wayne County Sheriff’s Office issued a countywide alert Wednesday advising residents to lock their doors, keep exterior lights on, and immediately report any suspicious activity.

Officials also encouraged residents to remain indoors or stay with others if possible while the investigation continues.

According to the sheriff’s office, at least three people have been found dead in separate incidents being treated as suspicious.

Investigators have not released the identities of the victims or details about how the deaths occurred, citing the active and evolving nature of the investigation.

Authorities are currently searching for a 2022 white Subaru Outback bearing Utah license plate U560YF (registration expiring October 2028), which may be connected to the case. The vehicle has become a key focus for investigators as they attempt to track a potential suspect or person of interest.

Around the same time Wayne County issued its alert, the Sevier County Sheriff’s Office also asked the public for help locating the same vehicle, noting it may have been involved in a suspicious death originating in Wayne County. Officials said it remains unclear whether multiple reported incidents across the region are directly connected.

Family members of one of the victims have begun speaking publicly about the tragedy. Tracy Jacobson told Channel2 NOW that one of the victims was her niece and another was the niece’s paternal aunt.

“This was my niece and her father’s sister that were murdered. I’m heartbroken,” Jacobson said. She further alleged that the suspect stole her niece’s vehicle and may also be connected to the killing of an elderly woman earlier in the town of Lyman, where another vehicle was reportedly taken and later located near the scene where her niece was shot.

In response to the unfolding situation, the Wayne County School District announced it will cancel school on Thursday and Friday “out of an abundance of caution for student and public safety.” The district stated that counselors will be available to support students when classes resume.

Residents throughout the region reported heightened law enforcement activity. A resident in Torrey told local media she observed a significant police presence in the area Wednesday.

Several neighboring law enforcement agencies have also issued precautionary advisories.

The Garfield County Sheriff’s Office urged residents to lock their doors and remain indoors as a safety measure, although officials said there was no confirmed evidence the suspect had entered the county.

Later in the evening, Garfield County officials stated they no longer believed there was an immediate threat but continued to advise residents to remain alert.

Similarly, the San Juan County Sheriff’s Office shared the alert and asked residents to report any suspicious activity, while noting there was no confirmed threat within their jurisdiction.

The Emery County Sheriff’s Office and Grand County Sheriff’s Office also circulated the advisory to help spread awareness.

A spokesperson for the Federal Bureau of Investigation field office in Salt Lake City confirmed the agency is aware of the situation and is prepared to assist local authorities if requested.

Anyone who has seen the white Subaru Outback within the past 24 hours or who has information that may assist investigators is urged to contact Wayne County dispatch at 1-800-356-8757 or the Sevier County Sheriff’s Office dispatch at 435-896-6471.

Authorities emphasized that dispatch lines should be used only for credible information related to the investigation.

The investigation remains ongoing, and officials say additional details will be released as they become available.