Cedar City, Utah (January 19, 2025) — In a horrifying act of violence that has left a tight-knit community shaken, four individuals have been arrested in connection with the drive-by shooting that killed 17-year-old KayLee Dutton and critically injured her friend on the night of January 17, 2025. The shooting took place in Cedar City, Utah, in the early hours of a quiet Friday evening. The suspects — Michael Heads-up kids, Matthew Sorber-Petrie, Aldric Felipe, and Ethan Galloway — face multiple charges, including murder and felony firearm offenses.

Authorities report that the deadly incident began when a vehicle, driven by KayLee and her friend, was targeted by gunfire while traveling on Midvalley Road, near the intersection with 4300 West. The vehicle was pursued for approximately five miles by the assailant’s vehicle before the shooting commenced. A total of 12 shots were fired at the teens’ car, and tragically, one of those bullets struck KayLee, causing her to lose control of the vehicle, which ultimately crashed into a vinyl fence at the intersection. Emergency responders quickly arrived at the scene and transported KayLee to Cedar City Hospital, where she was pronounced dead shortly thereafter.

The Arrests and Charges

The Iron County Sheriff’s Office, under the leadership of Sheriff Ken Carpenter, moved swiftly to make arrests in the case. Michael Hess-Witucki, the man believed to have been the shooter, has been charged with second-degree murder, multiple felony counts of discharging a firearm at a person, and other serious offenses. Hess-Witucki, 24, faces up to 30 years in prison if convicted of all charges.

In addition to Hess-Witucki, three other individuals — Matthew Sorber-Petrie, 21, Aldric Felipe, 22, and Ethan Galloway, 20 — have been taken into custody and charged with obstruction of justice and firearm-related crimes. Authorities have also indicated that drug-related offenses are a factor in the investigation, with charges for controlled substances being added to their criminal records.

The arrest of Hess-Witucki came on the evening of January 18, 2025, after a widespread search and intensive investigation by local law enforcement. Deputies confirmed that Hess-Witucki, who was found in possession of multiple firearms, had been in the red pickup truck involved in the shooting. Meanwhile, the other suspects were arrested as accomplices or for their involvement in obstructing the investigation.

The Tragic Loss of KayLee Dutton

KayLee Dutton, a student at Parowan High School, was a bright and promising young woman who had dreams and aspirations for her future. Friends described her as “full of life” and “always kind” — someone who had a heart for others and was known for her warm smile and generosity. Her tragic death has sparked an outpouring of grief throughout Cedar City and beyond.

The teen was a passenger in the vehicle along with her best friend, who was also injured in the shooting but is currently recovering from non-life-threatening injuries. According to officials, the two girls had been out joyriding and enjoying their Friday evening when the unthinkable occurred. What should have been a simple night out turned into a deadly tragedy that has left the entire community in mourning.

KayLee’s mother, who has asked for privacy during this difficult time, released a statement expressing her profound grief. “I never imagined that I would be burying my daughter so soon. KayLee was the light of our lives. She had a future ahead of her, and we’ll never understand why this happened. I hope that justice will be served for my sweet girl.”

In the wake of her death, the Iron County School District has taken steps to support students and staff impacted by the tragedy. Counselors were dispatched to both Parowan High School and Canyon View High School, where KayLee was known and loved by many. In addition to in-person support, the district is providing access to mental health resources through its SafeUT crisis support platform.

“Words cannot express how deeply saddened we are by the loss of KayLee Dutton. This tragic event has affected us all,” said a statement from the district. “Our thoughts are with her family, friends, and all those who knew her.”

Details of the Shooting Incident

The incident occurred on the night of January 17, 2025, shortly before 10:45 p.m., when a 911 call was received reporting gunfire along Midvalley Road. Deputies from the Iron County Sheriff’s Office arrived on scene to find the girls’ vehicle — a silver sedan — crashed into a fence, with the driver, later identified as KayLee, suffering from gunshot wounds.

Initial investigation reveals that the assailant’s vehicle, a dark-colored SUV, had been tailing the teens’ car for several miles. At some point, the shooter, later identified as Michael Hess-Witucki, pulled up beside the vehicle and opened fire. At least 12 shots were fired from the SUV, with one of them striking KayLee in the chest, causing her to lose control of the vehicle. Deputies found two rifles inside the vehicle, which were later confirmed to be linked to the suspects involved.

The Suspects’ Motive Remains Unknown

Authorities have yet to determine the specific motive for the shooting. Sheriff Carpenter described the act as a “senseless tragedy” that was “completely unprovoked.” The investigation is ongoing, and officials are working tirelessly to piece together the events leading up to the shooting.

“There was no known interaction or conflict between the victims and the suspects before the shooting,” said Sheriff Carpenter in a press conference. “We are still investigating why this happened, but it appears to be a completely random and senseless act of violence.”

Investigators are now turning their attention to the events leading up to the shooting. They have appealed to the public for any additional information that could help shed light on the suspects’ intentions. Authorities are specifically seeking information about a red pickup truck that was seen in the area at the time of the shooting, as well as any possible surveillance footage from nearby businesses or homes.

Public Appeals for Information

Iron County law enforcement has urged anyone who might have seen a small red pickup truck closely followed by a dark-colored SUV on Lund Highway between 10:15 p.m. and 11:00 p.m. on January 17, 2025, to come forward. In particular, authorities are seeking video footage from local residents and businesses along Midvalley Road and Lund Highway, which may contain valuable evidence related to the crime.

“Even the smallest piece of information could be crucial in solving this case,” said the sheriff’s office in a public statement.

The Road Ahead: Legal Proceedings and Community Healing

As the investigation continues, local residents and community leaders are rallying to support KayLee’s family and friends. A memorial service is being planned for the teen, and tributes to her life have been pouring in from classmates, teachers, and neighbors who knew her.

In the coming weeks, the legal proceedings for the arrested suspects will unfold. Michael Hess-Witucki faces serious charges, including second-degree murder, and will likely be held in custody pending a formal trial. His accomplices — Sorber-Petrie, Felipe, and Galloway — are also expected to face charges ranging from obstruction of justice to firearm-related offenses.

The Cedar City community, devastated by the loss of one of its own, remains determined to seek justice for KayLee. While the motive behind the senseless violence remains unclear, local residents are united in their demand for accountability and are determined to ensure that this tragedy does not go unanswered.

As authorities continue to investigate and piece together the circumstances surrounding KayLee’s tragic death, residents are reminded of the fragility of life and the importance of supporting one another in the face of such overwhelming sorrow. For now, the focus is on finding justice for a young life tragically cut short and ensuring that her memory lives on.

Support Resources:

In response to the emotional toll this event has taken on the community, several mental health support resources have been made available, including:

• SafeUT Crisis Support: Available 24/7 through safeut.org or by calling 833-372-3388.
• Iron County School District Counseling: Additional counselors and therapists will be available at Parowan High School and Canyon View High School.

This case is ongoing, and updates will be provided as more information becomes available. Authorities encourage anyone with information to contact the Iron County Sheriff’s Office at 435-586-9445.