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 weren’t 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 Sheriff’s Office.

Arrest Details for Michael Hess-Witucki

• Agency: Iron County Sheriff’s Office (ICSO)
• Arrest Type: PCAR (Probable Cause Arrest)
• Date/Time of Arrest: January 18, 2025, at 5:47 PM

Charges:

1. 76-5-203:
   • 1 count of Murder in the Second Degree
2. 76-10-508.1(1)(A):
   • 12 counts of Felony Discharge of a Firearm – Shooting at a Person
3. 76-8-306(2)+(3C):
   • 1 count of Obstruction of Justice – Violation Not Otherwise Enumerated
4. 58-37-8(2)(D):
   • 1 count of Drug Possession (Marijuana/Spice)
5. 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)