Man shot elderly mother then self in Millcreek Canyon, police say


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MILLCREEK CANYON — Police say a Taylorsville man shot and killed his mother Tuesday before turning the gun on himself.

"At this point in time we have enough evidence to believe that this was a murder-suicide," said Unified Police Lt. Justin Hoyal.

People in the area told police they heard two gunshots about noon in a parking lot below the snow gate in Millcreek Canyon and found the bodies of Lionel Williamson, 51, and Alice Williamson, 74, who lived together in Taylorsville.

"We believe that Mr. Williamson shot his mother from the outside of the vehicle. He was standing outside the passenger side of the car and shot his mother, who was inside the car," Hoyal said. "He then walked around to the back of the vehicle where he took his own life."

Police were interviewing family members Tuesday, and detectives were on scene analyzing evidence.

Hoyal was unsure of a motive for the killings and indicated there were "several possibilities for motives." Detectives were looking into the family's history.

There are domestic violence resources available throughout the state, 24/7 at 1-800-897-LINK (5465) and at udvc.org. For emergencies, please call 911.

Contributing: Devon Dolan

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