In a tragic turn of events on January 24, 2017, in West Valley City, Utah, a domestic dispute escalated into a violent episode that would ultimately claim the life of 67-year-old Elaine Manning. The Caucasian woman was shot in the head, allegedly by her 23-year-old grandson, Michael Gregory VanDeMerwe. The incident also resulted in the death of her son and the father of the suspect, 46-year-old Gregory VanDeMerwe, who was also shot in the head.
Elaine's husband, Paul Manning, 68, was stabbed during the attack but managed to survive his injuries.
The harrowing event unfolded as Elaine Manning placed a 911 call, reporting that her grandson was stabbing her husband. She informed the dispatcher that her son was attempting to intervene. Her plea, "Michael, please don't," was tragically followed by the sound of a gunshot, as heard by the 911 operator. Responding officers arrived at the family's home near 4000 South and 1500 West to a grim scene. They discovered Gregory VanDeMerwe deceased and Elaine Manning critically wounded, both with gunshot wounds to the head. Paul Manning was found with four stab wounds.
Following the incident, Elaine Manning was transported to a hospital, where she remained unconscious for 16 days before succumbing to her injuries on February 8, 2017. Her grandson, Michael Gregory VanDeMerwe, was arrested in connection with the violent attack. During an interview with law enforcement, he reportedly confessed to shooting two individuals in the home and using a knife to injure the third, expressing his intent to end their lives.
Michael Gregory VanDeMerwe was subsequently charged in 3rd District Court with one count of aggravated murder and two counts of attempted aggravated murder, all first-degree felonies. Following Elaine Manning's death, it was anticipated that the charges would be amended. Aggravated murder is a capital offense, punishable by prison time or the death penalty. The community and her family mourned the loss of Elaine, who was described in her obituary as a beautiful and caring woman who was the glue that held her family together.
