In the early hours of February 10, 2020, a domestic argument in a Salt Lake City apartment escalated into a tragedy that would end the life of 34-year-old Natalie Thurber. A white female, Natalie found herself in a perilous situation with her boyfriend, Michael Tyson Nance, who was preventing her from leaving their home and threatening her with a knife.
In a desperate attempt to get help, she managed to call 911, leaving the line open, and also sent a text message to a friend, pleading with them to call for emergency services.
When a Salt Lake City police officer arrived at the Eleanor Rigby apartment complex, he witnessed a horrifying scene through a window: Nance was strangling Thurber. The officer announced his presence, and for a brief moment, it seemed the danger might de-escalate as Nance released his grip on her. However, as the officer turned to use his radio, the situation took a fatal turn. Nance produced a handgun and fatally shot Natalie.
The violence did not end with Thurber's death. Nance immediately began firing at the responding officers, striking one of them in the leg and causing serious injury. A gunfight ensued between Nance and the police. After shooting at the officers, Nance turned the gun on himself in a failed suicide attempt. He was subsequently arrested and hospitalized for his self-inflicted injuries.
Michael Tyson Nance was charged with multiple felonies, and in May 2023, he pleaded guilty to aggravated murder for the death of Natalie Thurber, as well as attempted aggravated murder and felony discharge of a firearm. In August 2023, a judge sentenced him to a prison term of 35 years to life. During the sentencing, Nance offered an apology to Thurber's family, while her mother and sister spoke of forgiveness. The Salt Lake County District Attorney described the crime as one of the most violent and callous acts his office had prosecuted.
