SALT LAKE CITY (TCD) — An investigation is underway after a 34-year-old man who had recently filed for bankruptcy allegedly killed his 6-year-old son and then shot himself over the weekend.
On the night of Saturday, May 18, officers with the Salt Lake City Police Department responded to a home near Van Buren Avenue and Main Street, where they found Samuel Owen and his young son deceased. Police believe Owen shot his son before turning taking his own life.
According to the Salt Lake Tribune, Owen had recently filed Chapter 13 bankruptcy in April with more than $546,800 in debt. Owen also reportedly got divorced in 2019 and eventually received custody of his son. The boy was reportedly in the first grade at Uintah Elementary School before his death.
The Salt Lake Tribune reports that Owen worked for the city as a policy analyst.
In a statement, Salt Lake City Council Chair Victoria Petro reportedly said, “Sam was a cherished colleague and friend with unparalleled intelligence and compassion. He will be greatly missed.”
Salt Lake City Police Chief Mike Brown called the incident a “very tragic moment for our community.”
I can’t believe the tragic news of what happened. It’s heartbreaking to hear that someone in such a difficult situation resorted to such extreme measures. My heart goes out to the family and friends affected by this terrible tragedy.