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SALT LAKE CITY -- A gruesome double homicide in Oregon has spawned a massive manhunt that is reaching into Utah. Authorities believe a former Brigham Young University ROTC officer murdered his mother and her boyfriend and could be headed here.
Federal U.S. Marshals and local law enforcement are on the lookout for Gabriel Morris. They believe he driving across several states with his wife, 33-year-old Jessica Morris, and his daughter, Kalea Morris.
"Gabe, please, send them home. Just drop them off anywhere. You can go anywhere you want, just let them go," Jessica's mother, Rita Pope, pleads.
Rita and her husband, Bill Pope, are waiting for any news of their daughter and 4-year-old granddaughter's safety.
"It's just a gut ache; a gut ache morning to night," Rita Pope says.
Jessica's brother, Rod Pope, lives in Utah. He says all he wants is to see his sister and niece again.
"We are anxious to get them back and hopefully it will happen soon and we will be able to put this behind us," he says.
Gabriel Morris, 33, is the No. 1 suspect for the murders.
"We found evidence at the scene that ties him to this particular residence, and we have found property that we know is in his possession that was at the scene," says Coos County, Ore., District Attorney Paul Frasier.
Robin Antsey and her boyfriend, Robert Kennelly, were found dead in their Bandon, Ore., home Feb. 8. Investigators haven't yet revealed a motive for the murders.
Police say they think the Morrises have left Oregon in their silver 2002 Ford Taurus. They've been spotted in San Diego, Calif., and Mesa, Ariz. Their next stop could be Utah. Along with being a former ROTC officer at BYU, Morris has ties to several Utah cities.
"Your guess is as good as mine, where they went," Frasier says.
Gabriel Morris is also a former sheriff's deputy in Bingham County, Idaho, where Jessica's parents live. They say the couple's relationship has been rocky, and they were in deep credit card debt, but they never thought Gabriel was capable of murder.
"As much as she loves him, there's no way she can be safe with him," Rita Pope says.
Authorities say Gabriel Morris is considered armed and dangerous. If you see him, Jessica or Kalea, do not approach them, and call 911. They also believe Jessica may have cut her hair to change her appearance.
CLICK HERE to view Gabriel Morris' wanted poster.
E-mail: jstagg@ksl.com
