In a tragic incident in Cedar City, Utah, two 23-year-old men have been arrested and charged with murder after allegedly chasing down and fatally shooting a 17-year-old girl. The Iron County Sheriff’s Office reports that Michael Edward Hess-Witucki and Ethan Andrew Galloway are facing multiple charges, including first-degree murder, following the shocking event on the night of January 17, 2025.
The suspects reportedly pursued the victim’s vehicle, believing she had been stalking them in their neighborhood. However, investigations later revealed that the victim’s presence at the same townhome complex was unrelated.
The pursuit ended in a remote area where Galloway fired twelve rounds at the victim from Hess-Witucki’s vehicle, fatally injuring her and endangering a juvenile passenger in her car. The juvenile survived but witnessed the horrific event.
Police apprehended Hess-Witucki and Galloway, along with two accomplices, Matthew D. Sorber-Petrie (22) and Aldric S. Felipe (21). Sorber-Petrie and Felipe face charges of felony obstruction of justice and firearm-related offenses for aiding the suspects.
A search of the suspects’ residence revealed firearms matching those used in the crime, narcotics, and drug paraphernalia. In post-Miranda interviews, Hess-Witucki and Galloway admitted to their roles in the homicide. Galloway wrote a letter apologizing to the victim’s parents, citing his mistaken belief that the victim was stalking them.
Authorities have yet to release the identity of the deceased girl.
The four suspects remain in custody at Iron County Jail. This tragic case serves as a sobering reminder of the devastating consequences of reckless assumptions and violent actions.
Anyone with further information is encouraged to contact the Iron County Sheriff’s Office as investigations continue.
