Dae Reh dies in fatal West Valley City shooting
Fatal West Valley City shooting death of Dae Reh – Obituary
Authorities in West Valley City, Utah, suspect that Dae Reh fatally shot his wife and three children before taking his own life. A 17-year-old son was also injured in the attack, sustaining a gunshot wound to the head, but he survived and remains in critical condition.
The victims of the tragic shooting were identified as Bu Meh, 38, her children Boe Reh, 11, Kristina Ree, 8, and Nyay Meh, 2, as well as the suspect, Dae Reh, 42. The family, who had fled Myanmar over a decade ago, had been living in the United States as refugees.
The discovery of the crime scene was made Tuesday when a family member, concerned after losing contact with them, visited the house and found the 17-year-old son in the garage, badly wounded. Upon arrival, police discovered the bodies of the mother and daughters in an upstairs bedroom and found Dae Reh and his 11-year-old son in the living room. A handgun was found under Dae Reh’s body.
Authorities believe the shootings occurred sometime over the past weekend, though the exact timeline will be clarified through autopsies. The surviving son is unable to communicate with authorities due to the extent of his injuries, though investigators believe he was not shot in the garage and likely moved there after being hurt.
The family described the surviving son as their “hero” and expressed their shock over the loss. A statement from the family shared by police revealed how Bu Meh, the mother, had worked tirelessly to support her family and had learned English on her own to improve their lives after years of hardship as refugees.
There were no signs of prior domestic violence or any notes left behind by the father. Authorities are still working to determine a motive for the crime, though police spokesperson Roxeanne Vainuku noted that the cause may never be fully understood.
Anyone struggling with thoughts of suicide or in crisis can contact the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline by calling or texting 988.
