MAGNA, Utah — Investigators with the Unified Police Department are calling the death of a Magna mother and her nine year old daughter a murder suicide. The bodies of Karina and Madison Clark were discovered Sunday night.
“It’s just a tragic situation involving this nine year old daughter that was killed by her mother who obviously suffered from some mental issues,” said Lt. Brian Lohrke with Unified Police Department.
Police went to the home after a call from a member of the Relief Society who was concerned a present had not been taken in from the porch. Inside, they found a rifle and both Karina and nine-year-old Madison with gunshot wounds.
Gibson Clark, Madison’s oldest brother, says there was a history of trouble in the home.
“My mom was really troubled. We all grew up with her and we called child protective services on her quite a bit,” said Gibson.
Gibson said his mother’s, at times violent behavior, fractured the family. He admits he put distance between him and his mother when he became an adult. Besides Madison, he has two other siblings but all three are grown and out of the house, leaving Madison the only one home with Karina.
“I think there was stuff going on in the house that we didn’t know about,” said Gibson.
Police believe the pair may have died between one and three weeks before their bodies were discovered. They are working to build a timeline of when and where anyone saw Karina or Madison alive.
“Just be aware of those around you, your loved ones, whether it’s overt red flags or those silent cries for help,” said Lt. Lohrke.
If you or a loved one is experiencing suicidal thoughts, there is help available. Visit https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org/ for resources and more information.