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IVINS — A Utah man has been arrested for allegedly shooting and killing his wife after she told him her intentions to leave the marriage, according to a probable cause statement filed in Washington County's 5th District Court.
Steven Timothy Smith, 59, was booked into Washington County Jail for the investigation of first-degree murder, a felony, and was ordered by the court to be held without bail.
On Friday, gunshots were reported in Ivins. While police were en route, dispatchers told police the 911 caller said Smith had "shot his wife after being told that she was leaving him."
When officers arrived, they found Smith's wife had suffered from several gunshot wounds; she was pronounced dead on the scene. Smith was taken into custody and had blood on his hands and clothes, according to the probable cause statement.
Witnesses told police gunshots were heard from inside the home and when one individual went inside the house, they saw the victim unresponsive on the ground.
At some point, before police arrived, Smith left the scene and withdrew a large amount of money, according to the affidavit. He had also ordered all non-family members to vacate the residence sometime after the shooting.
After the witness found the victim unresponsive on the ground, they fought with Smith who told them "I'm done, I have nothing else," according to court documents. That individual also saw a handgun on the cabinet near where they saw Smith.
When officers searched the house, they found the handgun hidden in a closet in Smith's bedroom and found blood on its grip. In an interview with police, Smith said he was angry with his wife.
A family member identified the victim as Shawntell Smith, the St. George News reported.
A GoFundMe account* in Shawntell's memory has been set up to help the family pay for funeral expenses.
"My angel sister Shawntell's life was tragically taken yesterday. Still trying to process this news," a post written on the GoFundMe reads. "Things like this happen on the news, not in real life. Shawntell is one of the most Christlike people I know."
*KSL.com does not assure that the money deposited to the account will be applied for the benefit of the persons named as beneficiaries. If you are considering a deposit to the account, you should consult your own advisers and otherwise proceed at your own risk.
Domestic Violence Resources
- Utah Domestic Violence Coalition operates a confidential statewide, 24-hour domestic abuse hotline at 1-800-897-LINK (5465). Resources are also available online: udvc.org. The statewide child abuse and neglect hotline is 1-855-323-DCFS (3237).
- The Utah Division of Child and Family Services offers counseling, teaches parenting skills and conflict resolution and can connect families with community resources. Its goal is to keep children with their family when it is "possible and safe." Visit dcfs.utah.gov/contact-us/ or call 801-538-4100.
- The Christmas Box House acts as a temporary shelter for children and can provide them with new clothing and shoes, among other services. Call the Salt Lake office at 801-747-2201 or the Ogden office at 801-866-0350.
