WEST VALLEY CITY, Utah — West Valley City police are searching for the body of a 99-year-old woman who they believe was killed by her grandson who later died by suicide.
Police first became concerned about the whereabouts of Maren Carlson on Nov. 12, 2021 when another woman escaped after being held captive by her husband, Garman Shaun Cunningham. Officials said Carlson was Cunningham's grandmother.
After the woman claimed her husband had murdered Carlson, police were unable to locate the elderly woman.
“I don't know that we can put a real reason to why someone would do something like this to their 99-year-old grandmother. What I do know is that this is a horrific case this woman lived a long life and for her to die in this way is such a shame,” said Roxeanne Vainuku, Dep. Director of Communications with the police department.
Investigators say Cunningham disposed of Carlson's body in the Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest near Mirror Lake Highway or State Route 35. However, multiple searches in the area have yet to locate the body.
“We have gone to this area and we've searched with the Summit County Sheriff's Office in the Wasatch County Sheriff's Office. They brought in their search and rescue we've brought in cadaver dogs and we've searched this area, but we haven't been able to find anything," said Vainuku. "What we do know is that we can't be in all places at all times. And so that's where the public's help will really come in.”
Cunningham was charged with aggravated murder and aggravated kidnapping, along with other charges, but was able to commit suicide while in custody in March.
Vainuku said the search isn't about serving justice.
“It's not about prosecuting the person that we believe is responsible but what this is about is about bringing some peace to this family whose loved ones body is missing. We want to bring some comfort to them knowing that their their loved ones body has been recovered.”
Police are asking anyone spending time in the mountains to keep an eye out for evidence related to Carlson's disappearance.
Carlson was last seen wearing light pink pajamas with a floral design, and may have also been wearing a robe. A black garbage bag holding evidence is also believed to be in the area.
Anyone who locates items related to Carlson or the bag is urged to contact West Valley City police.
