Vigil held for West Jordan couple found dead at their home

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WEST JORDAN — Families and communities came together, holding a vigil to mourn the loss of a West Jordan couple after they were found dead at their home.

Friends and neighbors lit up the street outside a family member’s home to show their support for 30-year-old Katherine Butterfield and her husband, 31-year-old Tony Butterfield, Saturday night.

Visitors left flowers, notes, and candles for the couple outside the home of one of Katherine’s relatives.

“It was the least we could do. We all love them so much, and it was an unfathomable thing that happened,” said Molly McKeon, a family friend who helped organize the vigil. “It was our only way to really show support.”

Many people came out to light up the street and show their support.

“The whole neighborhood really helped. It was everyone — we divided up the bags, gave them to everyone, everyone lit them, and everyone was outside to show their support,” said McKeon.

Blue and white ribbons were also placed along the street, as blue was Katherine’s favorite color.

“I feel like everybody could feel the love and support that we have for them,” Marty Martinsen said.

On Saturday morning, police said they believe the couple was brutally killed by an intruder. Their three children, all under the age of four, were unharmed.

Family members said the children are the priority right now.

A makeshift memorial was placed in front of the home of Katherine and Tony Butterfield’s family members. The search for the suspect continues but today loved ones are focusing on the couple’s 3 children. Details @KSL5TV at 5. pic.twitter.com/9DWccx1MIl
— Garna Mejia KSL (@GarnaMejiaKSL) April 19, 2020

“Today has been a lot harder than it was yesterday,” Martinsen said. “I think serving got everybody’s mind off of what actually happened. I think everyone is feeling a lot harder today what actually happened, and facing that reality.”

The outpouring of support extended from a GoFundMe account. In less than 24 hours, more than $100,000 was raised.

Breast milk donations were also made for the couple’s youngest child, a 6-month-old baby girl.

The couple’s family expressed their gratitude for the community in a statement, describing Tony and Katherine as “incredible, Christ-like, kind, happy, and loving parents.”

“We hold no ill-will towards the perpetrator(s), and pray for them and their families,” the statement continued.

Family members said Katherine and Tony were deeply in love, and were working hard to grow their landscaping business.

“Katherine and Tony were rays of sunshine for everyone — like Katherine, if you look at any picture of her, she is smiling so big; that is just her personality,” McKeon said.

The West Jordan Police Department released an update on Twitter Sunday afternoon saying “progress is being made” in the search for a suspect. They said they will not be releasing any specifics to the public at this time in order to “maintain the integrity of the investigation.”

“We hope to have positive news soon,” the tweet said.