In the quiet community of Vernal, Utah, a heart-wrenching story unfolded on December 14, 2020, ending in the tragic death of 2-year-old Zachary Zack Seth Peck, a White male. The events of that day began when his mother, 40-year-old Valerie Stringham Peck, left their home with Zachary and a. 22 caliber rifle. She drove to various locations within Uintah County, eventually stopping at a campsite in Dry Fork Canyon.
After spending approximately 20 to 30 minutes at the campsite, Valerie
placed her young son back into his car seat. In a devastating turn of events, she then fatally shot him with the rifle while he was still secured in the vehicle. Following this act, Valerie attempted to take her own life, shooting herself twice. Despite her injuries, she proceeded to drive for several hours with her deceased son in the car.
Authorities were alerted to the situation through multiple 911 calls and located Valerie's vehicle in the Fantasy Canyon area. Upon their arrival, they discovered Zachary deceased. Valerie was transported to a local hospital to be treated for her self-inflicted gunshot wounds. After her release from the hospital, she was arrested and booked into the Uintah County Jail.
Valerie Stringham Peck was charged with aggravated murder, a first-degree felony, and child abuse, a second-degree felony. Investigators believe the act was premeditated. Court records revealed that just months prior, in July 2020, Valerie had been charged with trespassing. During that time, her husband had informed the court about her struggles with mental health issues. She had pleaded no contest to the trespassing charge in September of that year.
