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NORTH LOGAN — The man accused of killing his girlfriend and attempting to kill himself died Tuesday evening, police said.
Christian Emerson, 26, was discovered Sunday with a gunshot wound to the head and was airlifted to an area hospital in critical condition, according to North Park police. A passerby located Emerson and his 26-year-old girlfriend, Amanda Hoyt, inside a white Subaru that had wrecked near 1830 Canyon Ridge Drive.
Hoyt was pronounced dead at the scene of the accident. An investigation showed she had multiple gunshots fired at her, but it was unclear how many times she had been hit, police said. Investigators said it appeared to be a homicide and attempted suicide.
Hoyt's small dog was also found in the vehicle unharmed and was returned to her family.
North Park police said there are many details that remain unclear, including whether Emerson had been driving at the time shots were fired, where they were going, if Emerson owned the gun used, or if the event was premeditated.
Emerson died Tuesday around 9:20 p.m. at a Salt Lake City hospital, police said. Emerson is listed on the sex offender registry for a 2007 rape conviction in Oregon, according to records. However, Hoyt’s family members said Emerson did not try to hide anything and was open with them about that underage relationship.
Hoyt’s family said she and Emerson had been dating for almost a year and seemed to have a very loving relationship. Hoyt, who was diagnosed with diabetes at age 9, had been on dialysis for more than a year and had a pancreas kidney transplant last summer.
“Amanda's life was renewed June 2014 following a double transplant after a lifelong battle with diabetes,” Hoyt’s family said in a statement. “She had a bright outlook on life and was looking forward to a future as a nurse. Amanda had such a kind heart and will be terribly missed. Our family has been devastated by this tragic event and our thoughts are with Christian's family at this time. We appreciate the outpouring of community support and the continued respect of our privacy as we mourn the loss of Amanda.”
The investigation is ongoing and more information will be posted as it becomes available.
