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TAYLORSVILLE — A Taylorsville man who police said on Monday may have been kidnapped and shot has been found dead and the investigation is now being treated as a homicide.
The body of Alexzia "Alex" Franco, 21, was found early Tuesday "in a remote desert area in Utah County," according to police. "Franco's body was found with what appears to be a single gunshot wound."
Two boys, ages 15 and 17, were arrested and booked into Salt Lake Valley Detention Center for investigation of what Taylorsville police are calling "multiple felony charges related to the homicide."
Police believe Franco knew one of the boys in the car and willingly got into the vehicle.
"Detectives believe they have arrested the person responsible for Franco's shooting, but they are still actively working on contacting others who may have been present during the homicide," Taylorsville police said in a statement. Police believe there may have been a third person in the car at the time of the shooting, who they are looking for.
On Monday, police asked for the public's help in locating a 21-year-old man last seen getting into a white Jeep Liberty on Sunday about 4:15 p.m. near 3800 West and 5700 South, close to his home. Witnesses heard a gunshot shortly after Franco got into the vehicle, which then sped away.
Police said they were first alerted to the abduction by a person who resides with Franco.
Police say the Jeep was found Monday afternoon, but no other information was released.
The case remains "open and active," police said.
