A Utah woman has been arrested and charged with murder after a friend was shot in what police said was an unfinished suicide pact the women had reached weeks earlier. Police documents say 21-year-old Heavenly Faith Garfield intended to kill herself but was “too scared to kill herself.”
Garfield was arrested Tuesday and remains jailed in Utah County Wednesday without bond, where jail records show she faces charges of murder and discharging a firearm. Jail records do not list an attorney who could speak on his behalf, and no charges have been filed.
A voice message seeking comment left Wednesday with a phone number believed to belong to Garfield's mother was not immediately returned.
Garfield's father called 911 shortly before 3:30 p.m. Tuesday to report the shooting, police said. He said his daughter shot the 21-year-old victim at 10:45 a.m. as part of a suicide pact, according to a probable cause affidavit.
Family members said Garfield and the victim had been discussing the pact for several weeks, the affidavit says.
The victim's name has not been released.
CBS affiliate KUTV, citing police documents, reported that a friend of the victim told officers that the victim had texted him that she “intended to kill herself, but she was too scared to kill herself -se”. That friend also told police the victim had a suicide pact with Garfield.
Detectives at the scene found a 9mm bullet near the victim's body, KUTV reported, citing police documents.
If you or someone you know is experiencing emotional distress or a suicidal crisis, you can contact the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline by calling or texting 988. You can also chat with the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline here.
For more information on resources and support for mental health care, you can contact the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Helpline Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. pm ET, at 1-800-950-NAMI (6264) or by email at [email protected].
