BREAKING NEWS

Utah Woman And Dog Killed After Her Boyfriend Locked Them In Storage Unit, Set It On Fire: Cops

utah woman dog killed storage unit fire
Source: Murray City Police Department; Murray City Fire Department

Mar. 3 2023, Published 3:10 p.m. ET

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A Utah woman and her dog were killed after her boyfriend allegedly locked them in a storage unit and set it on fire, according to police.

Around 4:45 p.m. on Feb. 18, the Murray City Fire Department responded to a fire at CubeSmart Self Storage in Murray, KUTV-TV reported.

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After putting the fire out, firefighters found one person and one dog deceased in the storage unit.

The victims were later identified as 27-year-old Morgan Kay Harris and her dog, Huck, according to the Murray City Police.

Harris’ boyfriend, 30-year-old Alexander Wardell, allegedly told police he locked Harris and Huck in the storage unit before he set it on fire and left the scene, KSTU-TV reported.

Wardell was arrested and booked into the Salt Lake County Jail on charges of kidnapping, negligent homicide, violation of parole, two counts of aggravated assault, possession of a dangerous weapon and two counts of criminal mischief, officials said.

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Wardell has a criminal history and was released on bond just one day before allegedly killing Harris and Huck, according to KUTV-TV.

The suspect reportedly violated his probation on Feb. 16 and was released from jail on Feb. 17 after paying a $5,000 bond.

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He is now currently being held without bond.

Morgan’s family released a statement saying she “was always known for her sweet, shy and kind temperament” and she had “amazing artistic abilities” and an “infectious giggle.”

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