SPANISH FORK — A father and his 2-year-old son were found dead Sunday night in an alleged murder-suicide in Spanish Fork.
Police responded to a home near 800 S Fox Hill Drive shortly before 9 p.m. after receiving a report from a young woman who said she found her brother, 21-year-old Bryson Drew, and his young son, Chanse, dead.
The boy was found with blunt-force trauma injuries, and Drew was found with a single gunshot wound to the head.
“The family’s at a loss for a reason. It’s a tragic situation,” said Lt. Matt Johnson, Spanish Fork Police Department. “There was a suicide note that was found. It was very brief. It basically explained how the deceased wanted some property divided amongst family members.”
Bryson Drew’s father said the family is struggling to comprehend what happened. He said Drew picked up his son on Saturday night and was thrilled to see him. He said the only explanation he can think of is there was some sort of tragic accident involving Chanse, and Drew couldn’t live with what happened and took his own life.
“That’s what I choose to believe. I hope to believe that. Who knows? Who knows? It’s just so sad. I’m just dumbfounded by it all,” said family friend Lynn Hales.
Hales has lived across the street from the Drew family for years.
“He’s a good kid. I mean, I watched him grow up. I just still can’t believe it at all," Hales said.
According to her, Drew appeared to have a good relationship with his son, and there was never any indication he was unhappy.
She said, “I just can’t wrap my head around what happened at all, so I’m just so sad torward it, just broken hearted for the family and for the whole situation.”
Drew and the boy’s mother reportedly had an unofficial custody arrangement. Drew’s father said Bryson was the parent primarily responsible for the child.
The home where the body was found belongs to Drew’s grandparents, and Bryson and his son reportedly moved into the home a few weeks ago after Bryson lost his job. The grandparents were out of town when the incident occurred.
Police said there have been no previous incidents requiring the attention of law enforcement at the residence or with Bryson Drew.
