Heavenly Garfield: Utah woman arrested for fatally shooting friend after both plan to end their lives
If you or someone you know is considering suicide, please contact the National Suicide Hotline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255).
SARATOGA SPRINGS, UTAH: Utah resident Heavenly Faith Garfield, 21, has found herself at the center of a tragic incident that left a friend dead and herself facing severe charges.
Garfield was arrested after her father dialed 911 to report a shooting on Tuesday, April 30, in what authorities describe was an "uncompleted suicide pact".
Insight into circumstances leading to 'uncompleted suicide pact'
Details surrounding the incident emerged as investigators delved into the circumstances.
Court documents said the 911 call made by Garfield's father told dispatchers that his daughter had shot the victim at 10.45 am on Tuesday.
A friend disclosed to authorities that Garfield and the victim had devised a plan wherein one would fatally shoot the other before taking their own life. The pair apparently had agreed to this plan weeks earlier.
Heavenly Garfield was 'too scared' to kill herself
Reportedly, Garfield texted this friend expressing the intention of "committing suicide, but was too scared to kill herself" as documented in an affidavit of probable cause obtained by KUTV.
Tragically, the victim, whose identity remains undisclosed, succumbed to a fatal gunshot wound.
Garfield and victim had prolonged discussion on ending their lives
Law enforcement recovered a 9mm bullet in close proximity to the victim's body, according to documents. Moreover, corroborating statements from multiple family members confirmed that discussions between Garfield and the victim regarding ending their lives together had been ongoing for weeks.
While the motive behind the pair's alleged plan and their decision to end their lives remains undisclosed, ongoing investigation may shed light on this mystery, potentially revealing further details about the shooting and the victim's identity.
Heavenly Garfield charged with murder
In light of the investigation's findings, Garfield now faces charges of murder and felony discharge of a firearm, according to records from the Utah County Sheriff's jail.
She was taken into custody on May 1, and is currently being held without bail.
For more information about mental health care resources and support, The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) HelpLine can be reached Monday through Friday, 10 a.m.–10 p.m. ET, at 1-800-950-NAMI (6264) or email info@nami.org.