Utah Father of Six Kills Wife, Himself After Final Facebook Post
In a tragic turn of events, Olin Johnson, 57, killed his wife Kerilyn Johnson, 52, before taking his own life in their American Fork, Utah home on June 20, 2024, leaving the community in shock.
The small American Fork community is grappling with the tragic murder-suicide of Olin and Kerilyn Johnson, whose deaths were discovered by a family member. Known for their long-lasting marriage and community involvement, the couple's sudden demise has left many questioning what could have led to such an act. As investigators search for a motive, their six children face a grim future, softened only slightly by community support, including a vigil and a GoFundMe that has raised significant funds to help cover unforeseen expenses.
Days before the tragic incident, Olin Johnson posted a cryptic message on Facebook where he mentioned feeling like a 'crappy person' but noted that 'motorcycles and skiing' loved him back. The post has since been scrutinized for potential clues about his state of mind leading up to the event, but no clear motive has been publicly identified by authorities.
When law enforcement arrived on the scene, they found no signs of a struggle in the home. Investigations revealed that Olin shot his wife Kerilyn twice before turning the gun on himself. The exact sequence of events is still under investigation, and police are working to piece together what led to this tragic outcome.
Olin and Kerilyn Johnson had been married for over three decades, recently celebrating their 32nd wedding anniversary in April. The couple was well-known and respected in their community. Olin was the owner of Simtek Modular, LLC, a company specializing in erecting structures for law enforcement training. Kerilyn was an adjunct faculty member at the BYU School of Music, where she also worked as a voice teacher and appeared in numerous stage productions.
Neighbors who played softball with the Johnsons the night before the incident reported no signs of any trouble. The couple appeared as they usually did, with no indication of the tragedy that would unfold the next day.
The couple's deaths have left their six children, whose ages range from late teens to adults, in deep mourning. The American Fork community has rallied around the Johnson family, offering support and condolences during this incredibly difficult time.
A GoFundMe page created by a family friend to support the Johnson children has raised over $77,000 as of Tuesday morning. The funds are intended to help cover funeral expenses and other unexpected costs arising from the tragedy.
On Sunday, the community held a vigil for Olin and Kerilyn to express their sorrow and support for the grieving children. Friends, neighbors, and community members gathered to share their memories of the couple and offer their condolences.
Details about Olin Johnson's cryptic Facebook post have raised concerns about mental health and the warning signs that might have been missed. While the investigation continues, the community is left to grapple with the sudden loss and the unanswered questions surrounding the motive behind the murder-suicide.
Kerilyn Johnson's contributions to the BYU School of Music and her involvement in stage productions have been highlighted by former students and colleagues, many of whom have expressed their condolences and shared fond memories of her impact on their lives.
Simtek Modular, LLC, the company that Olin Johnson owned, has released a statement expressing sorrow over the loss of its founder. The company noted that it would continue to honor Olin's legacy through its ongoing projects and dedication to quality and safety in law enforcement training structures.
As the investigation proceeds, friends and family members are left reflecting on the lives of Olin and Kerilyn Johnson. The community has underscored the importance of supporting the surviving children, who must navigate their grief and adjust to a future without their parents.
For now, the American Fork community remains focused on healing and providing a supportive environment for those most affected by this devastating event. Further updates will be provided as more information becomes available in the ongoing investigation.