Girl shoots, kills family member in Iron County, sheriff's office says

KANARRAVILLE, Iron County — A girl shot and killed a family member early Saturday in Iron County, the sheriff's office said.

Deputies responded to a gunshot wound in the area of 400 S. Main St. in Kanarraville about 4:19 a.m.

"It was reported a juvenile female had intentionally shot an adult family member," the Iron County Sheriff's Office said in a prepared statement on Facebook.

Deputies tried to render aid, but they found the woman who had been shot was deceased.

The woman was later identified as 45-year-old Mary Ellen Billings, also known as Mary Ellen Crase, of Kanarraville.

A .38-caliber handgun was recovered at the scene, which officers "suspected to have been used in the incident," Iron County Sheriff's Lt. Shawn Peterson said.

Officials did not disclose what led up to the shooting.

The 15-year-old girl, whose identity was not released, was taken into custody.

"This is an active investigation, and no further information is being released at this time. ... This is an isolated incident, and there is no threat to the community," the sheriff's office said.

Mary Ellen Crase had recently spoken to KSL about her concerns over Flock cameras in front of her home. The single mother of four had expressed concerns about vandalism happening near their home, describing herself and children as survivors of domestic violence.

This story may be updated.

Contributing: Joe Wirthlin

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