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KANAB — A Kanab real estate agent who was under investigation for alleged stalking and suspicion of other crimes was found dead Friday at his home.
A family member called police when she couldn't find the 49-year-old man Friday evening, said Kane County Sheriff's Office Chief Deputy Alan Alldredge. Officers responded and found his body. They believe he died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
A search warrant for in the case was unsealed Thursday in 6th District Court. The man had not been arrested or charged with any crime at the time of his death. Since no charges were filed, the Deseret News is not naming the man at this time.
Asked if man previously was known to law enforcement, Alldredge said, "no, not in that way."
"He was well-known in the community," Alldredge continued. "Everybody liked him."
Investigators found pictures indicating the man had entered other people's homes, going into their bedrooms, and committing sex acts, the warrant stated, in addition to secretly taking photos of neighbors and others.
Some of the images police believe date back to 2009 include a photo of a framed picture of two juveniles inside a house that the man was selling as part of his real estate job. He took photos of a neighbor and pasted images of her on to photos of "young nude women," according to the warrant.
Detectives said pictures found on his laptop that surfaced in the investigation are not child pornography and recommended the Kane County Attorney's Office decline such a charge against him, according to a Friday prepared statement from the Kane County Sheriff's Office.
Crisis Hotlines
- Utah County Crisis Line: 801-691-5433
- Salt Lake County/UNI Crisis Line: 801-587-3000
- Wasatch Mental Health Crisis Line: 801-373-7393
- National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-TALK (8255)
- Trevor Project Hotline for LGBTQ teens: 1-866-488-7386
Online resources
- NAMI Utah: namiut.org
- Utah Chapter-American Foundation for Suicide Prevention: afsputah.com
- Suicide Prevention Lifeline: www.suicidepreventionlifeline.org
Warning signs of suicide
- Talking about wanting to die
- Looking for a way to kill oneself
- Talking about feeling hopeless or having no purpose
- Talking about feeling trapped or in unbearable pain
- Talking about being a burden to others
- Increasing the use of alcohol or drugs
- Acting anxious, agitated or recklessly
- Sleeping too little or too much
- Withdrawing or feeling isolated
- Showing rage or talking about seeking revenge
- Displaying extreme mood swings
What to do if you see warning signs of suicide
- Do not leave the person alone
- Remove any firearms, alcohol, drugs or sharp objects that could be used in a suicide attempt
- Call the U.S. National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-TALK (8255)
- Take the person to an emergency room or seek help from a medical or mental health professional
