KayLee Dutton Shooting, Death; 17-Year-Old KayLee Dutton’s Life Cut Short in Senseless Cedar City Drive-By Shooting

Tragic drive-by shooting in Cedar City claimed the life of 17-year-old KayLee Dutton and left her friend injured on January 17, 2025.

Authorities reported that an unidentified individual pulled alongside the teens’ vehicle on the roadway and opened fire.

Iron County Sheriff Ken Carpenter confirmed the arrest of four suspects in connection with the incident: Michael Hess-Witucki, Matthew Sorber-Petrie, Aldric Felipe, and Ethan Galloway.

Michael Hess-Witucki has been charged with the murder.

The investigation began shortly before 10:45 p.m. when deputies were dispatched to the intersection of Midvalley Road and 4300 West following reports of gunfire targeting a vehicle and a severely injured victim.

Upon arriving at the scene, deputies discovered the teenage driver, later identified as KayLee Dutton, and immediately initiated life-saving efforts.

Emergency medical personnel transported her to Cedar City Hospital, where she tragically succumbed to her injuries.

Preliminary findings by crime scene investigators revealed that the girls’ vehicle had been pursued by the assailant’s vehicle for approximately five miles before the shooter pulled alongside and began firing. KayLee was struck during the attack, causing her to lose control of the vehicle, which crashed through a vinyl fence and came to a stop near the intersection.

Authorities have not yet determined a motive for the shooting. Sheriff Carpenter described the incident as a “senseless tragedy.”

“These two young ladies were just out enjoying themselves, joyriding around the valley,” Carpenter said. “This was a needless death, and it’s devastating for everyone involved. It’s completely senseless for something like this to happen. When you see two 17-year-old girls just enjoying life and having a good time, and that life is suddenly cut short, it’s heartbreaking.”