A 21-year-old Utah woman now faces murder charges after allegedly shooting and killing her friend as part of what police describe as a tragic suicide pact gone wrong.
Saratoga Springs police arrested Heavenly Faith Garfield following the shooting death of her 21-year-old friend, whose name has not been released. Saratoga Springs, Utah, a city of roughly 37,000, is on the northwestern shore of Utah Lake, approximately 35 miles south of Salt Lake City
On April 30, 2024, at approximately 3:30 p.m., nearly five hours after the incident, Garfield’s father called 911, stating that his daughter had fatally shot the victim that morning as part of a previously agreed-upon suicide pact. Upon arriving at the scene, police discovered the victim’s body and a nearby 9mm bullet.
Police interviews with Garfield’s family members and a friend of the victim have shed light on a disturbing series of events. The investigation revealed that the victim and Garfield had been discussing the suicide pact for several weeks. The victim, overwhelmed with suicidal thoughts, confided in a friend, expressing in texts that she was “too scared to kill herself.” This friend also confirmed the existence of the pact to detectives.
Police documents indicate that Garfield intended to die by suicide but ultimately could not bring herself to carry out the final act. According to the affidavit of probable cause, the pact involved Garfield killing her friend before taking her own life.
Investigators are carefully scrutinizing all aspects of the case to ensure the whole picture is uncovered. “We’re knee-deep in trying to piece together everything we can to make sure what we think we know is accurate,” explained Assistant Chief Bill Robertson of the Saratoga Springs Police Department. He highlighted that the case contains “circumstances” that are not “your normal things,” including the peculiar detail of a delayed call to police.
Garfield has been charged with one count of murder and one count of felony discharge of a firearm. She is detained in the Utah County Jail without bail while awaiting further legal proceedings.