On the cold winter evening of December 17, 2024, West Valley City, Utah, was shattered by an unimaginable tragedy. What initially seemed like a routine welfare check soon revealed a heartbreaking scene—a murder-suicide that claimed the lives of five family members, leaving the tight-knit community reeling from the devastation. West Valley City police have since confirmed the victims as 42-year-old Dae Reh, his 38-year-old wife Bu Meh, and their children, 11-year-old Bear Reh, 9-year-old Boe Reh, and 2-year-old Beh Lu Reh Kayahphu. The sole survivor, a 17-year-old son, was found in critical condition with gunshot wounds and remains hospitalized. The suspect in the murder-suicide has been identified as the father, Dae Reh, with police confirming that all victims succumbed to apparent gunshot wounds.
The tragic events began to unfold late Monday evening, December 16, when concerned family members requested a welfare check at the family’s residence on Oxford Way. According to Roxeanne Vainuku, spokesperson for the West Valley City Police Department, officers arrived at the home but received no response from inside. After peering through windows and speaking with neighbors, the police determined there was no immediate sign of distress and left the scene. Family members were advised to stay in contact and notify authorities if concerns persisted.
By Tuesday afternoon, the situation had escalated. A relative who had grown increasingly worried entered the garage of the home, only to discover the gravely injured 17-year-old son. At approximately 2:10 p.m., the relative called 911, prompting officers to return to the residence. Inside, authorities found the lifeless bodies of Dae Reh, Bu Meh, and their three younger children, all with fatal gunshot wounds. The discovery marked the horrific culmination of what appeared to be a premeditated act of violence.
The Victims and Their Story
The Reh family was well-known within their community. Originally of Asian origin, they were part of a close immigrant network that had settled in Utah. Their lives, like many others, revolved around family, community, and cultural traditions that emphasized resilience, unity, and the importance of providing a better future for their children. Friends and neighbors described the family as quiet and hardworking. Bu Meh was remembered as a loving mother who doted on her children and was deeply involved in their upbringing.
Their home on Oxford Way, now a site of sorrow and disbelief, was once a bustling hub filled with laughter, children’s voices, and the everyday chaos of a large family. Photographs of the victims paint a picture of innocence and youth: 11-year-old Bear Reh, a budding athlete who loved soccer and dreamed of one day becoming a professional player; 9-year-old Boe Reh, a bright and artistic child who enjoyed painting and singing; and 2-year-old Beh Lu Reh Kayahphu, the family’s youngest, whose cherubic smile was described as the light of their lives. The surviving 17-year-old son, whose identity is being protected, remains in critical condition, fighting for his life.
The Suspect: A Troubling Portrait of Dae Reh
While the police investigation is still in its early stages, authorities have confirmed that 42-year-old Dae Reh was responsible for the deaths of his wife and children before turning the gun on himself. This revelation has sent shockwaves through the community, as those who knew Dae struggle to reconcile the man they once knew with the horrifying act he committed.
Neighbors and acquaintances described Dae as reserved but seemingly devoted to his family. “He was always quiet, kept to himself, but you could tell he loved his kids,” one neighbor said. However, others have hinted at underlying tensions, including financial struggles and the pressures of raising a large family. These stressors, combined with possible mental health challenges, may have contributed to the tragedy, though authorities have yet to release a definitive motive.
A Systematic Response: How Law Enforcement Handled the Situation
The incident has reignited conversations about the complexities of welfare checks and the challenges law enforcement faces in such situations. On Monday evening, when police first arrived at the Reh residence, there was little indication of the tragedy unfolding within. Without clear signs of distress or danger, officers lacked the legal grounds to forcibly enter the home.
Former Unified Police Department precinct chief Chris Bertram explained the delicate balance officers must strike during welfare checks. “It’s a dynamic situation,” he said. “You have to weigh what information is known at the time. There may not be enough to justify entering the residence, even if concerns are high.”
This restraint, though rooted in legal protocol, has drawn criticism from some members of the community, who question whether more could have been done to prevent the tragedy. However, law enforcement officials have emphasized that decisions made in the moment are often complex and fraught with uncertainty.
The Aftermath: A Community in Mourning
In the days following the murder-suicide, the community has come together to mourn the loss of the Reh family. Vigils have been held outside the family’s home, where neighbors and friends have left flowers, candles, and handwritten notes expressing their grief and disbelief. “It’s hard to believe something like this could happen in our neighborhood,” one resident said. “This family was part of our community, and now they’re gone.”
The tragedy has also sparked broader conversations about mental health, domestic violence, and the unique challenges faced by immigrant families. Advocates have called for increased resources and support systems to help families navigate cultural, financial, and emotional stressors that can often go unnoticed until it is too late.
Reflections and Broader Implications
The Reh family’s story is a heartbreaking reminder of the fragility of human connections and the devastating consequences of unresolved pain and turmoil. As authorities continue their investigation, the community is left grappling with difficult questions about what could have been done differently and how to prevent similar tragedies in the future.
For now, the focus remains on honoring the lives lost and supporting the surviving 17-year-old son, who faces a long road to recovery—both physically and emotionally. The family has not yet announced funeral arrangements, but community leaders have pledged to provide support and assistance as they navigate this unimaginably difficult time.
As the candles flicker outside the Reh family’s home and the first snowfall blankets Oxford Way, the echoes of this tragedy will linger long after the news cameras have gone. But in their grief, the people of West Valley City are finding strength in one another, united in their determination to remember the Reh family not for the violence that ended their lives, but for the love and hope that defined them.
In the words of one mourner: “We can’t change what happened, but we can honor their memory by coming together, supporting each other, and making sure no family ever has to endure this kind of pain again.”
