3 Women Found Dead in Utah's Wayne County

Authorities launch homicide investigation, urge public caution as manhunt continues

Published on Mar. 5, 2026

The Utah Department of Public Safety reported that three women, aged 30s, 60s, and 80s, were found dead on Wednesday - two on a hiking trail and one at a residence in Wayne County. Law enforcement has closed schools and asked residents to lock doors and stay home as they search for a suspect driving a white 2022 Subaru Outback.

Why it matters

Violent crimes are rare in the small, rural county of Wayne, Utah, which is a popular gateway for tourists visiting nearby national parks. The discovery of three bodies has shaken the community and prompted an intensive manhunt, as authorities work to determine if the deaths are connected and identify any potential threats to public safety.

The details

According to the Utah Department of Public Safety, dispatchers received a call on Wednesday afternoon about two women found dead on a hiking trail. While investigating, authorities discovered a third woman's body at a residence in Wayne County. The victims were in their 30s, 60s, and 80s, but their identities have not been released. Law enforcement has asked the public to be on the lookout for a white 2022 Subaru Outback and to avoid approaching the vehicle.

  • The bodies were discovered on Wednesday, March 4, 2026.
  • Schools in Wayne County are closed on Thursday, March 5 and Friday, March 6, 2026.

The players

Utah Department of Public Safety

The state agency leading the homicide investigation in Wayne County.

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What’s next

The authorities in Wayne County and surrounding areas are continuing their search for the suspect and any potential connections between the three deaths.

The takeaway

This tragic incident has shaken the small community of Wayne County, Utah, which is known for its natural beauty and outdoor recreation. The investigation is ongoing, and authorities are urging the public to remain vigilant and cooperate with law enforcement as they work to determine the circumstances surrounding these deaths and ensure public safety.