Husband and wife killed in apparent West Jordan home invasion, family of victims releases statement

A husband and wife were killed early Saturday, when someone apparently broke into their West Jordan home and shot them.

West Jordan police spokesman Sgt. J.C. Holt said the family’s three children — the oldest, age 4, and the youngest an infant — were at the home near 3200 West and 6900 South and were unharmed.

The police identified the couple as Tony and Katherine C. Butterfield, releasing a statement from the family.

“Tony and Katherine were incredible Christ-like, kind, happy, and loving parents, children, siblings and friends. We mourn their loss, but are grateful for the sure knowledge we have that we will be with them again,” said the statement posted on Facebook. "We hold no ill-will towards to the perpetrator(s) and pray for them and their families. We are grateful for the immediate and professional work of the West Jordan Police and other investigators, and are confident in their abilities to bring this case to resolution."

The family statement concluded: “We ask for prayers for Tony and Katherine’s three sweet children, as well as for the many, many people who love Tony and Katherine. We are appreciative and overwhelmed with the outpouring of love and support we have received. Thank you.”

The department said it is working “hard to bring resolution to this case.”

Police learned about the shooting after a neighbor called around 1:15 a.m., reporting that she heard gun shots and a woman screaming.

When police got to the home, they found Tony Butterfield dead in the backyard, and Katherine dead inside. Both were shot. Holt said it appeared that the suspect had rifled through the home, but he is unsure what may have been taken.

Holt also said it appeared the suspect and Tony Butterfield got into some kind of fight in the backyard, and the assailant may have been injured with a knife.

Police believe the suspect left the home in a car. Holt said police were following up on some suspect leads Saturday.

Holt said this case isn’t like some other home invasions, where the occupants are killed by someone trying to take drugs or money. Aside from ruling that out, police haven’t determined the suspect’s motive.

The Butterfield children are staying with family members. A GoFundMe account has been set up to support the children.