Wasatch Front News http://www.abc4.com/news/ News from the Wasatch Front en-us Copyright 2012 Newport Television LLC. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. Sun, 12 Feb 2012 23:00:01 -0700 Mon, 13 Feb 2012 09:53:07 -0700 Local News http://www.centralmediaserver.com/ktvx/abc4logo.jpg ABC 4 http://www.abc4.com/news/ 72 50 15 Dea Millerberg divorcing husband charged in Rasmussen death http://www.abc4.com:80/content/news/slc/story/Dea-Millerberg-divorcing-husband-charged-in/NBN_LtMm2kO6pYp7hq_Sbg.cspx?rss=2256 http://www.abc4.com/s/NBN_LtMm2kO6pYp7hq_Sbg.cspx OGDEN, Utah (AP) - A northern Utah woman has filed for divorce from her husband who is charged in the death of the couple's 16-year-old baby sitter.

The Deseret News of Salt Lake City reports an attorney for Dea Millerberg filed a petition seeking her divorce from Eric Millerberg in Ogden's 2nd District Court on Thursday.

The petition was filed the same day Dea Millerberg, 38, of North Ogden, was booked into jail on a felony desecration of a body charge. She was released the same day.

No response to the petition has been filed from an attorney for Eric Millerberg and no hearings are set in the case.

The Millerbergs are facing separate felony charges in the case involving the death of their baby sitter, Alexis Rasmussen.

Rasmussen was last seen Sept. 10, when she was caring for the Millerberg's two young daughters. Her body was found in a shallow Morgan County grave on Oct. 18.

Weber County prosecutors say Rasmussen died from an overdose after ingesting drugs provided by Eric Millerberg.

Eric Millerberg, 36, has been charged with felony child abuse homicide, obstruction of justice, unlawful sexual activity with a minor and abuse or desecration of a human body in connection with Rasmussen's death.

He's not yet entered a plea to the charges. A hearing is set for Tuesday in Ogden.

Eric Millerberg is being held at the Utah State Prison. His probation on an unrelated drug conviction was revoked.

Dea Millerberg is charged only with the abuse or desecration charge. Prosecutors say that's because her involvement was "minimal" compared to her husband's role.

She has not yet entered a plea to the charges. An Ogden court hearing is set for Feb. 22.

Separately, Dea Millerberg has pleaded not guilty to prescription drug fraud and child endangerment charges that authorities say stem from the investigation into Rasmussen's initial disappearance. A trial is set for May 24.

___

Information from: Deseret News

(Copyright 2012 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)


]]> _Salt Lake City Mon, 13 Feb 2012 09:45:00 -0700 Sentencing set for caregiver convicted of abuse http://www.abc4.com:80/content/news/slc/story/Sentencing-set-for-caregiver-convicted-of-abuse/_87luAt8CE6Rxp5yMYUtcQ.cspx?rss=2256 http://www.abc4.com/s/_87luAt8CE6Rxp5yMYUtcQ.cspx SALT LAKE CITY (AP) - A Utah caregiver convicted of abusing a disabled woman who was bound crucifixion-style to a pole inside a closet is set for a sentencing hearing.

Dale Beckering faces a prison term of up to 15 years in connection with the death of 22-year-old Christina Harms. A hearing is set for Monday in Salt Lake City's 3rd District Court.

A jury found the 53-year-old man guilty of one felony count of abuse of a disabled adult in November. An appeal of the conviction is expected.

Harms died on March 25, 2010. She suffered from fetal alcohol syndrome and was the legal ward of Beckering's stepdaughter, Cassandra Shepard.

Shepard has pleaded not guilty to murder and other charges.

Beckering's wife, Sherrie, will also be tried on an aggravated abuse charge in June.

(Copyright 2012 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)


]]> _Salt Lake City Mon, 13 Feb 2012 09:34:00 -0700 Sentencing set for mom in virginity for sale case http://www.abc4.com:80/content/news/slc/story/Sentencing-set-for-mom-in-virginity-for-sale-case/dMn7Ep4j1U2ej7EV9ET9jQ.cspx?rss=2256 http://www.abc4.com/s/dMn7Ep4j1U2ej7EV9ET9jQ.cspx SALT LAKE CITY (AP) - A Utah woman who pleaded guilty to reduced sexual exploitation charges for trying to sell her 13-year-old daughter's virginity is set for a sentencing hearing.

The 33-year-old mother faces up to 30 years in prison at a hearing Monday in Salt Lake City's 3rd District Court.

Authorities said the woman offered her daughter's virginity to a man in April in exchange for $10,000. Initially, the girl agreed to the arrangement, but later changed her mind.

Her mother also tried to sell sexually explicit pictures of the girl to another man.

The woman's boyfriend found text messages about the sale of the girl's virginity on the woman's cellphone and contacted police.

The Associated Press has not named mother to avoid identifying her daughter.

The men involved have not been charged.

(Copyright 2012 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)


]]> _Salt Lake City Mon, 13 Feb 2012 09:31:00 -0700 Multiple car accident closes I-215 Union Park west bound ramp http://www.abc4.com:80/content/news/slc/story/Multiple-car-accident-closes-I-215-Union-Park/RpvoMLaQ1Ee7AENd6noEjg.cspx?rss=2256 http://www.abc4.com/s/RpvoMLaQ1Ee7AENd6noEjg.cspx MIDVALE, Utah (ABC 4 News) - A multi-car accident has temporarily shut down the I-215 Union Park west bound ramp.

Wet road conditions and freezing temperatures have turned the on-ramp into an ice rink. Ten cars are involved with no major injuries. U-DOT is clearing the ramp and salting it and advises drivers to drive with caution.
]]> _Salt Lake City Mon, 13 Feb 2012 07:05:00 -0700 Real Sleepless in Seattle couple lives in Utah http://www.abc4.com:80/content/news/slc/story/Real-Sleepless-in-Seattle-couple-lives-in-Utah/upB2Co69JEOcekYiAjnf8A.cspx?rss=2256 http://www.abc4.com/s/upB2Co69JEOcekYiAjnf8A.cspx SALT LAKE CITY (ABC 4 News) -In the hit movie "Sleepless In Seattle", Tom Hanks and Meg Ryan find true love on Valentines day. A Utah couple lived a story that closely parallels that Hollywood movie.

It's a love story that started with a chance meeting in a Seattle airport, that left a man sleepless until fate and ingenuity brought them together again.

Sam Baldwin sees Annie Reed in Sleepless In Seattle for the first time at SeaTac airport. Barry Aurich also met his wife Rita at the airport in Seattle. likes Sam, Barry he was a single father and Rita, like Annie was engaged.

Just like the Hollywood movie, there was no denying in a mere matter of moments what was right. "I was ready to find that right person, and here I am hundreds of miles away from home, and talk to this woman for a few minutes and realized this is it, I needed to find her.”

But, he realized it moments too late. "I was walking out to the airplane and just kicking myself thinking you didn't get her name, you didn't get her phone number, you have no way of finding her other than you know where she's from. "

Rita says she was also struck by the ten minute encounter. I’m like, and I sat there and thought why did I just meet this guy that I have more in common with than anyone I have ever dated in my life and just like that he's gone? "

Instead of a radio program, like Sleepless In Seattle, it was a an ad in her local paper that brought the two back together again. Barry knew where Rita was from, so he figured he had a shot at finding the woman who was giving him insomnia in the personal ads. “I started it out sleepless since Seattle please help me find a woman I met at SeaTac airport Tuesday night."

One of Rita’s friends brought it to her attention. "She finally ended up agreeing to have dinner with me if I flew up so we went out to dinner, and I flew back to Eugene and the next morning, she broke off her engagement."

They were married. Seventeen years later, Rita says they are still living happily ever after. “I really to this day cannot believe that it happened. I really still have to pinch myself."

Barry was living in Eugene at the time of their chance encounter, Rita had just moved from Boston to Yakima. The couple made their home here in Utah.


]]> _Salt Lake City Sun, 12 Feb 2012 23:12:56 -0700 Real Sleepless in Seattle couple lives in Utah Jazz begin road trip with win over Memphis http://www.abc4.com:80/content/news/slc/story/Jazz-begin-road-trip-with-win-over-Memphis/mJ46BnPWkE2ZRjOQvuRlTQ.cspx?rss=2256 http://www.abc4.com/s/mJ46BnPWkE2ZRjOQvuRlTQ.cspx MEMPHIS, Tenn. (AP) - Al Jefferson had 21 points and a season-high 15 rebounds, and Gordon Hayward added 23 points as the Utah Jazz snapped a three-game losing streak with a 98-88 victory over the Memphis Grizzlies on Sunday night.

Hayward shot 8 of 12 from the field, part of a 51 percent shooting performance by the Jazz on the night. Paul Millsap finished with 16 for Utah, shooting 7 of 11. Raja Bell had 10 points.

Rudy Gay led Memphis with 22 points, while Mike Conley (six assists) and Marc Gasol scored 17 apiece.

Utah's lead was only 69-66 heading into the final period, but the Jazz were 12 of 19 from the field and caused six Memphis turnovers in the final period to pull away.

Utah was able to pull away in the fourth quarter by not only forcing Memphis into turnovers, but getting to the rim on offense. On three occasions out of the halfcourt set, Derrick Favors was able to score on alley-oop dunks.

That and Hayward's outside shooting helped Utah rebuild its lead to 93-84 with 2:40 left. At that point, Memphis had no answer.

Utah built an early lead and carried a 46-40 advantage into intermission.

Memphis got off to a terrible start, missing its first eight shots, and was still shooting 2 of 11 as Utah built an early double-digit lead, eventually reaching 13 points.

Memphis would score the last eight points of the opening quarter to get back in the game.

But the misfiring continued for Memphis in the half as the Grizzlies shot 35 percent for the first two quarters.

The Jazz seemed to be in much better control, and their 45 percent shooting was accurate compared to Memphis. Part of the shooting performance included Utah's five starters going a combined 17 of 27 in the half.

Starters Hayward, Millsap, Jefferson, Bell and Devin Harris ended the night hitting 33 of their 56 shots.

Hayward and Jefferson had 14 each to lead the Jazz in the first half, while Gasol scored 10 for Memphis before halftime.

Memphis took its first lead on a 3-point play by Conley with about 5 minutes left in the third. But it was Gay who sparked the rally with 10 early points in the period.

As the game got closer, Memphis was having trouble with turnovers. Utah was getting on the glass, and Bell, who was scoreless in the first half, began connecting on his jumper.

Utah scored six unanswered points late in the period and carried a 69-66 lead into the final period.

Game notes
Memphis wore gold and green throwback jerseys representing the old Memphis Tams of the American Basketball Association. The color scheme was because the Tams were owned by Charlie Finley of the Oakland A's. Tams stood for Tennessee, Arkansas and Mississippi -- the three states that comprise the area around Memphis. ... Memphis G Tony Allen returned to the starting lineup. Allen missed three games with a sore left hip and knee, and came off the bench when he returned Friday against Indiana. ... The Jazz are 6-0 when they score better than 50 percent and 8-1 when holding opponents to less than 90 points. ]]> _Salt Lake City Sun, 12 Feb 2012 22:55:43 -0700 Utah's Dancing With The Stars pro remembers Whitney Houston http://www.abc4.com:80/content/news/slc/story/Utahs-Dancing-With-The-Stars-pro-remembers/kaxrY92Q-Eu3zQ-77duxUw.cspx?rss=2256 http://www.abc4.com/s/kaxrY92Q-Eu3zQ-77duxUw.cspx SALT LAKE CITY (ABC 4 News) -Utah's Dancing With The Stars Pro, Chelsie Hightower, says the news of Whitney Houston's death was both sad and shocking.

Hightower performed with Houston during the finale of the Season 9 hit ABC show. "We were all just like, oh my gosh, that's Whitney Houston in our ballroom, and we are going to dance for her, and we were all just wigging out."

Hightower says when the time came to meet the pop icon she immediately put everyone at ease. "She was very warm, and very kind, and very gracious and you know we didn't know how she was going to be."

She says the moments they shared in the spotlight during that finale show were magical. The whole cast danced together as Whitney Houston belted “I Wanna Dance With Somebody”. "It was just an honor to perform for her, and to perform with her, and I think it was a performance that each one of us will always remember."

Hightower says Whitney Houston will never be forgotten because her music impacted everyone who heard it. "What she sang and her songs and her lyrics and everything were so inspirational."

Although the pop stars life took a sad turn, Chelsie Hightower says Whitney Houston should be remembered for the person she was.” She’s a good person she had a warm heart and soul.


]]> _Salt Lake City Sun, 12 Feb 2012 22:41:23 -0700 Utah's Dancing With The Stars pro remembers Whitney Houston Largest drug bust in Utah traced back to Mexico http://www.abc4.com:80/content/news/slc/story/Largest-drug-bust-in-Utah-traced-back-to-Mexico/t6kCWUuVl0exkLFPhxiyJA.cspx?rss=2256 http://www.abc4.com/s/t6kCWUuVl0exkLFPhxiyJA.cspx SALT LAKE CITY (ABC 4 News) – Although Utah is hundreds of miles away from the Mexican border, the demand for drugs combined with Utah's crossroads makes this state a hot spot for narcotic drug trafficking.

The Drug Enforcement Agency worked the biggest bust linked to the drug cartels Saturday night.

'223' high powered weapons, handguns, 24 pounds of marijuana, coke, and bongs were all taken during a raid. “In the last 48 hours we have made a significant blow against Mexican drug trafficking organizations here in salt lake,” said Frank Smith, Assistant Special Agent in Charge.

Several arrests were made, but investigators are holding off on releasing names at this point.

Agents found methamphetamines in a tire when they pulled a car over on I-15 near Murray. Everything else was found inside a home just miles away. One of the drug dealers lives in an affluent neighborhood in Emigration Canyon.

The street value of the meth alone is more than 500 thousand dollars. Inside the luxurious home investigators also scored big. More than 100 thousand dollars in cash were taken from inside.

Tonight agents shed new light on the drug trade. Dealers are not only operating out of Mexico. “It’s a very significant problem. As the drugs flow east, the border expands east. I would say the border in today's world starts around Canada,” said Smith.



]]> _Salt Lake City Sun, 12 Feb 2012 22:00:00 -0700 Largest drug bust in Utah traced back to Mexico Police charge Utah man in plot to kill Governor Herbert http://www.abc4.com:80/content/news/slc/story/Police-charge-Utah-man-in-plot-to-kill-Governor/m6A_SuoQC0GHanl_CkQ7Qg.cspx?rss=2256 http://www.abc4.com/s/m6A_SuoQC0GHanl_CkQ7Qg.cspx JENNIFER DOBNER
Associated Press

SALT LAKE CITY (AP) - A Utah man who police say threatened to assassinate Gov. Gary Herbert and who conducted surveillance on the governor's mansion is facing multiple felony charges.

Brian Biff Baker was charged Friday in Salt Lake City's 3rd District Court with felony counts of drug and weapons possession, along with a misdemeanor count of threatening elected officials.

Baker sent text messages to a friend on Feb. 2 stating that he was lying in the bushes and intended to kill the governor, court records said. The recipient of the texts reported the messages to police and Baker was arrested the same day, the records said.

In his messages, the 52-year-old Baker said he had been casing the place and that authorities would utter an expletive "when the explosions start ... should be funny as hell, it's a dangerous mission," a police affidavit filed in support of the charges states.

The texts also included a threat to kill a police officer who had driven past the mansion more than once during Baker's period of surveillance the affidavit states.

Police also said that Herbert was at home during the time Baker was conducting surveillance and was removed from the premises for safety reasons.

Investigators enlisted the help of the message recipient to get Baker to come to a nearby gas station, where he was arrested. Police found containers of ammunition, a large knife, explosives, illegal fireworks and small plastic bags of methamphetamine in Baker's truck, court papers said.

Security camera video from the area around the mansion also showed Baker conducting his surveillance, the papers stated.

Baker was being held in the Salt Lake County jail. Bail is set at $25,007. It wasn't immediately clear whether he had an attorney.

(Copyright 2012 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)

]]> _Salt Lake City Sun, 12 Feb 2012 17:54:00 -0700 Utah Artists are reacting to Whitney Houston's Untimely Death. http://www.abc4.com:80/content/news/slc/story/Utah-Artists-are-reacting-to-Whitney-Houstons/REDgePwuTUmOw01v6xrlXw.cspx?rss=2256 http://www.abc4.com/s/REDgePwuTUmOw01v6xrlXw.cspx SALT LAKE CITY (ABC 4 News) – Utah artists are reacting to Whitney Houston’s sudden death. They described her as a chameleon. She tried different music genres and took on new projects. Whitney climbed to the number one spot several times around the world.

The power of her voice has impacted many in the entertainment industry, including the local artists here in Utah.
 
Utah singer Joslyn Poole and her husband, producer-musician, Craig Poole are in disbelief by her sudden passing. Josyln became a fan when Whitney Houston released her first album and she became the first female vocalist to debut at number one before the 90s.

"She has this strength and this power, but at the same time has this finesse that any singer would want to immulate." said Joslyn Poole. "It was very shocking, but at the same time I went back to all my memories of when I was young and belting out her tunes."

She became a Hollywood favorite and with the commercial success of her albums, film-makers poured in scripts but reeled her in, in her first starring movie role, "The Bodyguard" with Kevin Cosner, which she won 3 Grammy awards for the soundtrack.

Host and executive producer of Talking Pictures, Tony Toscano commented, "The jump into movies was really easy for her because people really loved her."

On tour Whitney's back up dancer, Tre Holloway, said she was explosive. "She would chase me and I would chase her, it was my favorite moment on tour by far."

Whitney captivated generation after generation and her memory will carry on.

"Everyone was aware of her troubles, but we were hoping she could rebound." added Craig. "It's timeless. People will listen to her 50 years from now and still be in love with her voice and her sound."

Despite her troubles, her colleagues will remember her for breaking boundaries and in many ways changing how music is made today. ]]> _Salt Lake City Sun, 12 Feb 2012 16:57:00 -0700 Utah Gymnasts overcome slow start to beat ASU http://www.abc4.com:80/content/news/slc/story/Utah-Gymnasts-overcome-slow-start-to-beat-ASU/iEcOjfXPZECNNw9zXPlb2w.cspx?rss=2256 http://www.abc4.com/s/iEcOjfXPZECNNw9zXPlb2w.cspx TEMPE, Ariz. (ABC 4 Sports) - The No. 1 Utah gymnasts overcame an uncharacteristically bad day on the floor exercise to beat No. 25 Arizona State 196.150-194.000 and improve to 4-1 overall and 1-1 in the Pac-12.

"We're back to planet earth," said coach Greg Marsden, "Although floor was the only event where we did poorly. We're still learning. We need to do a better job of adjusting to the equipment on the road."

Leading the way for Utah was sophomore Corrie Lothrop, a triple-winner for the second-straight week. Lothrop won the all-around with a 39.40, beam (9.9) and floor (9.9). Utah swept the individual prizes with Georgia Dabritz winning vault (9.9) and Stephanie McAllister the bars (9.875).

After taking a comfortable lead on the first two rotations (98.30-96.85), Utah was set to put the meet out of reach heading into its best event. Instead, the Utes opened the door for the Sun Devils on the floor. Utah's troubles came from unexpected sources as Dabritz and McAllister, tied for third in the nation entering the meet, both hit the mat. Marsden took the blame for Dabritz's troubles (she also struggled on bars), saying she had been sick during the week and he probably should have pulled her from the lineup. As for McAllister, that one was a fluke said her coach. "I've never seen Steph miss that (move) in practice or competition."

McAllister rarely falls on anything in fact. She had hit 18-of-18 routines this season before the floor fall, and had fallen just twice in her last 103 routines. She, along with her teammates, bounced back to finish strong on the balance beam, although that event too got off to a rocky start when leadoff competitor Kassandra Lopez suffered her first fall.

McAllister quickly stopped the bleeding, with a 9.80 and Mary Beth Lofgren (season-high 9.875), Lothrop (9.90), Cortni Beers (9.85) and Kyndal Robarts (9.875) made sure Lopez' score didn't count.

"We have a very mentally tough team," said Marsden of his team's clutch performance on the balance beam. "We will learn and get better."

Up next for the Utes is Michigan on Friday in Ann Arbor.
]]> _Salt Lake City Sun, 12 Feb 2012 16:46:34 -0700 Utes can't hang on in Arizona, fall 70-61 http://www.abc4.com:80/content/news/slc/story/Utes-cant-hang-on-in-Arizona-fall-70-61/ROXjfuwTx0yfduvZDJs_Ng.cspx?rss=2256 http://www.abc4.com/s/ROXjfuwTx0yfduvZDJs_Ng.cspx TUCSON, Ariz. (AP) - Jason Washburn and Cedric Martin had 15 points each for the Utes, who lost at Arizona 70-61 on Saturday.

Utah (5-11, 2-11) hit 9 of 18 from the arc against the Pac-12's best team at defending 3-pointers, but didn't hit a shot from anywhere over the final 5:42.

Coming off three solid wins, Arizona (18-8, 9-4 Pac-12) came out flat against Utah, falling into a 13-point first-half hole.

Nick Johnson hit a 3-pointer with just over a minute left and had 18 points, Kyle Fogg added 17 points and Arizona overcame an ugly first half to beat Utah.

The Wildcats rallied in the second half behind the 3-point shooting of Fogg and Brendon Lavender, then held on after Johnson's 3-pointer to win their fourth straight game. Solomon Hill had 14 points and Lavender hit four 3-pointers for all of his 12 points. ]]> _Salt Lake City Sat, 11 Feb 2012 19:35:29 -0700 SLC receiving positive feedback on potential 2022 Olympic bid http://www.abc4.com:80/content/news/slc/story/SLC-receiving-positive-feedback-on-potential-2022/Aujs-9ZqGUGD8yUjd5u0dw.cspx?rss=2256 http://www.abc4.com/s/Aujs-9ZqGUGD8yUjd5u0dw.cspx SALT LAKE CITY (AP) - Organizers of a new effort to explore the possibility of bringing the Olympics back to Salt Lake City say they've heard nothing but good things from officials pushing competing bids to host the 2022 Winter Games at Lake Tahoe or Denver

Jon Killoran, head of the Reno-Tahoe Winter Games Coalition, told the Salt Lake Tribune that the more the Olympics can be promoted in different cities, the better for the USA.

Anne Warhover, co-chair of the Denver bid, says Salt Lake City's entry is welcome because it shows the U.S. is serious.

The U.S. Olympic Committee has to decide by 2013 whether to submit a formal bid and put forth a single nominee for 2022. Warhover acknowledged Utah would have the advantage of existing facilities left over from 2002. ]]> _Salt Lake City Sat, 11 Feb 2012 13:45:13 -0700 Westbrook scores 28 points as Thunder outlast Jazz http://www.abc4.com:80/content/news/slc/story/Westbrook-scores-28-points-as-Thunder-outlast-Jazz/xVgY1pD_Qk2kqd9ScVc3HA.cspx?rss=2256 http://www.abc4.com/s/xVgY1pD_Qk2kqd9ScVc3HA.cspx SALT LAKE CITY (AP) - With the Jazz focusing their attention on Kevin Durant, Russell Westbrook was more than happy to be the star of the show.

"I was working on my shot all summer and I had lots of opportunities to shoot it tonight," Westbrook said. "I had openings I needed to take advantage of."

There were times Durant barely crossed halfcourt when Westbrook was already flying toward the hoop or spotting up for a jumper on his way to 28 points and helping the Oklahoma City Thunder beat the Utah Jazz 101-87 on Friday night.

The Thunder improved to 5-1 in games after a loss.

"This is what good teams do. We lost a tough one last night but we came in here and played a tough Utah team in their arena and come out with a win. That's a good sign," said Durant, who had 19 points the night after losing to Sacramento 106-101.

With Oklahoma City's win, the Thunder (21-6) have clinched the best record in the conference through games played Feb. 15, meaning coach Scott Brooks will lead the Western Conference All-Stars for the game on Sunday, Feb. 26, in Orlando, Fla.

"That's great for our team and our organization. I feel truly blessed to be a part of what's going on with the Thunder right now," Westbrook said.

The Jazz appeared determined to limit Durant's offense -- he had only 10 field goal attempts -- but Westbrook found extra room to drive to the basket and created some fast breaks with five steals.

"I was taking what the defense was giving me," Westbrook said.

Serge Ibaka had 16 points and 11 rebounds and Kendrick Perkins added 10 points and 10 rebounds.

The Jazz's big men often helped on Westbrook and Durant, allowing the Thunder to out-rebound Utah 46-32.

"Their bigs did a good job inside and between the two of them, they had eight offensive rebounds and that hurt us," Utah coach Ty Corbin said.

Al Jefferson led Utah with 20 points and Raja Bell and Gordon Hayward each had 13 points, but the Jazz dropped their fifth game in their past six.

Once Utah's reserves drew to 78-73 early in the fourth quarter, the Thunder answered with a 7-0 run, capped by Nick Collison's driving layup.

The Thunder finished their road trip with a 3-2 record.

Oklahoma City trailed for much of the first half until Durant scored on both ends of a 10-0 run that gave the Thunder a 46-40 lead with 2:15 until halftime.

"We didn't have a lot of things going for us early but we fought and stuck together," Brooks said. "The way we finished the game was good basketball."

Though they have played the most road games in the Western Conference, the Thunder have compiled a 12-5 away record and looked fresh in the fourth quarter, relentlessly crowding the Jazz on defense.

The Jazz, meanwhile, have played 16 games at home (11-5) and the offense is beginning to sputter no matter where they are playing.

Utah hasn't reached 100 points in its past four outings and didn't get close Friday -- even though the Thunder had given up at least 106 points on each of the other four games of the road trip.

"They were aggressive and we got stuck in one mode and were never able to transition into something else to see what would happen," Bell said.

The Jazz took their last lead at 58-56 on Jefferson's jumper with 7:28 left in the third. But Westbrook scored six in a 16-4 run to boost the Thunder to a 72-62 lead.

In a three-minute span in the first half, Earl Watson found C.J. Miles for three alley-oop dunks with Durant trailing the plays. But the Thunder found their defensive stride in the second half.

"We gave up some easy baskets early but we locked down after that and didn't let them have what they wanted," Durant said.

The game marked one year since the abrupt resignation of longtime Jazz coach Jerry Sloan and the hiring of Ty Corbin. Corbin is 21-32 as a head coach. ]]> _Salt Lake City Sat, 11 Feb 2012 11:27:28 -0700 Kearns man saved by 911 call http://www.abc4.com:80/content/news/slc/story/Kearns-man-saved-by-911-call/Gr10HlRDO0KeDibt-gho3g.cspx?rss=2256 http://www.abc4.com/s/Gr10HlRDO0KeDibt-gho3g.cspx KEARNS, Utah (ABC4 News) – A man trapped inside a smoke filled basement was helped to safety Friday by a Valley Emergency Communications Center operator.

The fire broke out at a home on 4960 West 5320 South, according to Unified Fire Authorities.

An elderly woman escaped, but her adult son was trapped in the basement. He used a cell phone to dial 911.

“I’m going to die in another few minutes if I don’t get out,” the man told the female operator.

The operator calmly talked to the man and helped him find a window through thick smoke.

The man broke the window and climbed. Rescuers were waiting for him and later transported him to an area hospital.

Authorities said the fire was accidentally set off in the kitchen by cooking oil. About 30 firefighters responded to the blaze.

Damages to the home are estimated to be around $100,000.
]]> _Salt Lake City Fri, 10 Feb 2012 20:52:00 -0700 Kearns man saved by 911 call Bizarre reaction to arrest caught on tape http://www.abc4.com:80/content/news/slc/story/Bizarre-reaction-to-arrest-caught-on-tape/yxDk4wdEpEGM6emNjHVd-Q.cspx?rss=2256 http://www.abc4.com/s/yxDk4wdEpEGM6emNjHVd-Q.cspx DRAPER, Utah (ABC 4 News) - There is bizarre reaction to a man arrested in Draper. 

U.S. Marshals arrested a man named Steve Bills in the 600 block area of Golden Pheasant Drive.  A Florida County filed a warrant for his arrest in 2007. 

However, most of his neighbors are standing behind Bills and not the man who turned him in.

Neighbors say they're standing behind Bills because they don't like the way his neighbor Mike Carver turned him in.

It started with an apparent feud between the Carvers and the Bills, who live beside each other on the street. 

Carver ran a background on Bills and found warrant for his arrest. 

"Stephen Bills had a criminal background in the state of Florida and that put us on alert," said Carver. 

Carver turned the information into Draper police and they turned it over to U.S. Marshals.

ABC 4 talked with neighbors around the Carvers.  All but one spoke out in support of the Bills family.

The neighbors claim the Carvers are hyper sensitive to any problem from most any neighbor.  They say the Carvers complained of trash, noise and harassment.

"They've filed I think a little less than 30 reports on their next door neighbor and a couple on us and the people next door as well," said a concerned neighbor who did not want to share her identity.

"We've had many people in our neighborhood try to talk to them (the Carvers) including some church leaders and they have shut out most of the neighborhood," continued the neighbor.

According to neighbors, the Carvers question the motive of almost everyone but actually found something real about Steve Bills.

For the most part neighbors want to avoid the Carvers, but do their best to forgive and remain good neighbors. 

"I think maybe he has made a couple of mistakes, but definitely not as scary as he seemed maybe on the news.  Steve really is a great guy and he's great with all the neighbors and all the kids," said the concerned neighbor.

Bills is in the Salt Lake County Jail.  He will be extradited to Florida soon, according to U.S. Marshals spokesman Jim Phelps. 

All the neighbors say they want to get along.  Everyone involved says they want to mend their broken relationships.

Both Mike Carver and Steve Bills step-daughter Briana Hansen contacted ABC 4 News after this story aired. 

Hansen said ABC 4's information stating Bills was charged with defrauding the elderly is false.  The U.S. Marshals office described the charges from Florida as serious, but would not confirm or deny the charges against Bills previously posted on ABC 4.




]]> _Salt Lake City Fri, 10 Feb 2012 19:28:26 -0700 BYU professors speak out about 'black face' video http://www.abc4.com:80/content/news/slc/story/BYU-professors-speak-out-about-black-face-video/NH6pPakj40KJxNrjyjUrvA.cspx?rss=2256 http://www.abc4.com/s/NH6pPakj40KJxNrjyjUrvA.cspx PROVO, Utah (ABC 4 News) – Professors in Provo speak out about a controversial "black face" video shot at Brigham Young University.

They said the comedian's approach brought back bad memories, rather than teach a lesson.

Dave Ackerman's video portrays students at BYU as clueless about black history.

“I wanted to raise awareness in an interesting way and get a conversation started,” said Ackerman.

Professors believe the entire video was fabricated. “In a selective way it's choosing pieces he used in his film to make people look more ignorant than they really are,” said Chris Crowe, a professor of English.

Assistant professor of English, Brian Roberts, said the shots were of intense stereotypes to make people uncomfortable. “I'm disappointed and surprised that someone came to campus wearing black face. What I think is it reflects a lack of historical knowledge,” Roberts lamented.

“For white Americans it's something we don't understand because we are not African American,” commented Crowe.

Students said lacking knowledge about black history, doesn't make them racist. “If he had been black and then offended them, because they don't know anything about the culture would have been better,” said BYU student, Katie Lynn Bair.

Roberts says Ackerman's video was an eye-opener for America. It could have been shot anywhere. “It suggests we need to redouble our efforts to integrate black history- African American history into the courses we teach,” said Roberts.

When ABC 4 interviewed Ackerman he said he isn't racist. He wanted to use ignorance to teach people about ignorance.
]]> _Salt Lake City Fri, 10 Feb 2012 17:55:00 -0700 BYU professors speak out about 'black face' video Salt Lake DA: "We turned everything over" http://www.abc4.com:80/content/news/slc/story/Salt-Lake-DA-We-turned-everything-over/2mfLaJKzM0i3RSMQc_0C5g.cspx?rss=2256 http://www.abc4.com/s/2mfLaJKzM0i3RSMQc_0C5g.cspx SALT LAKE CITY (ABC 4 News) – Josh Powell’s dark secrets were kept under lock and key in a West Valley police evidence room.

And now Washington state authorities are learning that in Powell’s laptop, he allegedly harbored sexually explicit drawings teetering on the edge of child pornography.

Those images were revealed during a child custody hearing in which Powell was ordered to undergo a psyco-sexual evaluation.

Days later, Powell murdered his sons and killed himself.

And while most believe Powell is solely to blame for those deaths some are raising questions in an attempt to prevent it from happening again.

ABC’s 20/20 “Sins of a Father” raises that question. It was one of the issues host anchor Chris Cuomo wonders.

“Why did it take two years to find those images on a computer,” he says in an interview with ABC 4 News. “Utah authorities had it for two years. Why so long?"



The West Valley police department is under a court order that restricts the agency from releasing information from its investigation.

But Salt Lake's district attorney who is also under a court order says they gave Pierce County sheriff’s office everything they needed.

"Once the custody issue became relevant and our conversation with the attorney general's occurred, we shared all relevant information with them and what they wanted, when they needed it, and how to best use it was their decision,” D.A. Sim Gill says.

According to Utah’s child and family services, even if the agency knew about a parent's alleged misconduct it wouldn’t be enough to revoke custody rights.

“Even though the facts are stacking up against somebody until proven guilty we have to work under the guise of their innocence,” says Elizabeth Sollis with D.C.F.S.

One lawmaker has a solution to avoid future problems.

Rep. Paul Ray plans to sponsor a resolution to review current policies.

He says the goal would be to enact a Charlie-Braden law that restricts a spouse’s rights when under investigation for a spouse's death.

“I don't know if you want to say no visitation but I think you can make it harder to gain custody,” says Rep. Ray. “You could hold a hearing, like a grand jury when these allegations surface. But I think we need to look at the whole policy.” ]]> _Salt Lake City Fri, 10 Feb 2012 17:48:21 -0700 Salt Lake DA: "We turned everything over" RSL opens preseason with 1-1 draw against Vancouver http://www.abc4.com:80/content/news/slc/story/RSL-opens-preseason-with-1-1-draw-against/PJoW51XDb064thlZHLU90Q.cspx?rss=2256 http://www.abc4.com/s/PJoW51XDb064thlZHLU90Q.cspx CASA GRANDE, Ariz. (ABC 4 Sports) – Real Salt Lake took to the field for exhibition play for the first time this 2012 preseason earlier today, the Claret-and-Cobalt opening their spring slate with a 1-1 draw against Vancouver Whitecaps FC at the Grande Sports World complex. The 125-minute contest was played across three periods (45-45-35), allowing both clubs an extended look at their assembled camp rosters.

While Real Salt Lake’s players relished the opportunity to kick someone besides themselves after two weeks of training, it was Vancouver doing most of the kicking in the opening 15 minutes, as some rusty touches by RSL and overzealous challenges from the opposition resulted in some high anxiety in the early going.

After three cautions were issued in the span of eight minutes soon after, both sides would calm down the physical play and pick up their attacks, with Whitecaps FC hitting paydirt first in the 27th minute. It was a former RSL’er, MF Atiba Harris, creating the chance, as he played FW Darren Mattocks into the right side of the area, where the 2012 MLS SuperDraft’s second overall selection slotted a low shot just between GK Nick Rimando and the right post to push Vancouver ahead 1-0.

But the lead would last only until the 39th minute, when RSL FW Fabian Espíndola struck a low blast from the penalty spot to the right of wrong-footed Vancouver ‘keeper Joe Cannon to even things up at 1-1. It was RSL MF Ned Grabavoy’s constant buzzing around the Whitecaps FC area finally paying off, the newly re-signed veteran being taken down with a tackle as he ushered the ball into the top of the area moments earlier.

Largely the same cast of characters would start the next stanza for RSL, with Head Coach Jason Kreis opting to swap the bulk of his players for a new look just after the hour mark. The change of personnel didn’t change RSL’s fortunes with the referees, as the Utahns picked up four yellow card cautions during the period.

While Espindola’s pick-pocket of GK Brad Knighton’s poor distribution and his ultimately fruitless attempt to round the netminder in the 57th minute marked the most dangerous offensive opportunity, it was the insertion of MF Sebastian Velasquez a couple of minutes earlier that provided a quick jolt for the RSL attack. The rookie hopeful first picked out MF Jonny Steele with a cutback cross after achieving the endline in the 63rd minute, but while Steele’s header beat Knighton it also drifted just over the crossbar. Four minutes later Velasquez ran onto a free kick at the right corner of the six-yard box, but his volleyed attempt would also barely miss the frame.

Steele also created a fine chance of his own in the 82nd minute after rounding a defender on the right flank, but his cross to pick out FW Emiliano Bonfigli’s far-post run was snagged by Knighton. In the waning moments of the period FW Cody Arnoux had two bites of the apple to put RSL in front, but his first chance was knocked away by Knighton before another seconds later got caught up in traffic at the top of the six.

The final 35 minutes was highlighted by a pair of fine saves by GK Lalo Fernandez, the RSL-Arizona Academy product first knocking away FW Omar Salgado’s straight-on rocket from 20 yards in the 103rd minute, followed by a fingertip touch that forced a close-range shot to deflect straight down off the crossbar in the 112th minute. The best offensive chance for the Utah side came in the 118th minute, when MF Enzo Martinez saw his blast from the arc knocked away by GK Andrew Fontein.
]]> _Salt Lake City Fri, 10 Feb 2012 17:14:04 -0700 Man in clown makeup robs S. Salt Lake convenience store http://www.abc4.com:80/content/news/slc/story/Man-in-clown-makeup-robs-S-Salt-Lake-convenience/AUvrlc6O-ECgVVu4ND9stg.cspx?rss=2256 http://www.abc4.com/s/AUvrlc6O-ECgVVu4ND9stg.cspx SOUTH SALT LAKE, Utah (ABC 4 News) - Police say a man wearing clown makeup robbed a 7-Eleven store on Thursday.

According to police, the robbery took place at around 7:40 p.m. in the 7-Eleven store located on 420 East 2700 South.

Police say the suspect was armed with a knife and was disguised with clown face paint.

According to news release, the suspect entered the convenience store with a knife in-hand and told the female clerk, “Open the register, I have a knife”. The store employee thought the suspect was joking at first due to his cartoonish appearance, but when the suspect came around the counter, the clerk saw the knife blade and knew it was no joke.

Police say the clerk opened the cash register for the suspect, who ran from the store with an undisclosed amount of cash.

Despite setting up a containment around the area and deploying a K-9 service dog units, police say it appeared that the suspect got into a waiting vehicle and left the area.

Police described the suspect’s as man in his 20s with a heavy build who was wearing a blue shirt with short sleeves (possibly hospital scrubs), red shorts with white flowers and black shoes. Police say the suspect was carrying a red back pack.

Police asked that anyone with information on the suspect to call South Salt Lake Police dispatch at 801-840-4000.

Police say the suspect is considered armed and dangerous.

----Information from: South Salt Lake Police Dept.


]]> _Salt Lake City Fri, 10 Feb 2012 16:11:00 -0700 Man in clown makeup robs S. Salt Lake convenience store Fire crews rescue man trapped in 2-alarm house fire http://www.abc4.com:80/content/news/slc/story/Fire-crews-rescue-man-trapped-in-2-alarm-house/qQ88HuSSckG8Ia17k3s-LQ.cspx?rss=2256 http://www.abc4.com/s/qQ88HuSSckG8Ia17k3s-LQ.cspx KEARNS, Utah (ABC 4 News) - A Two alarm house fire nearly kills a man in Kearns Friday morning. The man became trapped inside as it began to fill with smoke. He was rescued by responders.

It started just after 9:00 a.m., as a fire quickly burned through a home near 49th W. 53rd S. in Kearns.

"I’ve seen all this black smoke coming up and we knew it was one of our neighbors," said Oliver Price, Neighbor.

"It was one of the scariest things I've ever seen," said Robin Kirton, Neighbor.

Neighbors said the homeowners were cooking with oil, when it burst into flames. An elderly woman inside escaped, but her adult son became trapped in the basement. And he began breathing in smoke billowing from the fire. Fire fighters said the man trapped inside was able to call from a phone and tell responders exactly where he was. They said there's a good chance that it may have saved his life.

It took more than 30 firefighters to put out the blaze, but not before crews said flames did significant damage inside.

"It's a real tragedy to see somebody lose everything you own," said Ken Jones, Neighbor.

For the time being fire fighters said the family will have to find another place to live. Crews tell ABC 4 the man rescued from the fire, was taken to the hospital in stable condition. He suffered cuts on his hands from broken glass, and smoke inhalation.

]]> _Salt Lake City Fri, 10 Feb 2012 10:17:00 -0700 Propane explosion injures 3 workers http://www.abc4.com:80/content/news/slc/story/Propane-explosion-injures-3-workers/Fm_XvZ7rgUunYp0SBPoBLw.cspx?rss=2256 http://www.abc4.com/s/Fm_XvZ7rgUunYp0SBPoBLw.cspx SOUTH JORDAN, Utah (ABC 4 News) - Fire officials say three workers were injured in a propane explosion in South Jordan on Friday morning.

Fire officials say the men were painting an underground pipeline for the Jordan Valley Water Conservancy District when fumes from a propane heater seeped into a trench and ignited where they were working.

One man was in critical condition when he was flown to a hospital by helicopter. Another man was seriously injured and transported by ground for treatment. Another man had minor injuries and was treated and released at the scene.




]]> _Salt Lake City Fri, 10 Feb 2012 10:04:00 -0700 Suspect arrested in case of man found shot in the street http://www.abc4.com:80/content/news/slc/story/Suspect-arrested-in-case-of-man-found-shot-in-the/1cCd1Fc_4ka0UKuUDxQndA.cspx?rss=2256 http://www.abc4.com/s/1cCd1Fc_4ka0UKuUDxQndA.cspx KEARNS, Utah (ABC 4 News) - Salt Lake County Unified Police say a suspect has been arrested in the investigation into a victim who was found shot and lying in the middle of a Kearns street.

Police say the victim was found ealry Thursday morning lying in the road by three passer-bys.

Police say Detectives conducted several interviews, and learned that the victim was alone with Billy Rohwedder in a car when the victim was shot and dumped at 4520 West 4865 South.

Police say detectives locates a car later that morning in the area where the victim was dumped and also found evidence of a shooting that took place inside the car.

According to police, detectives located Rohwedder about 9:30 p.m. Thursday at the Studio 6 Hotel in Murray where he was taken into custody with out incident.

Police say detectives were still trying to determine a motive for the shooting and if any other were individuals were involved.

Rohwedder was booked into the Salt Lake County Jail on attempted murder charges.

----Information from: Salt Lake County Unified Police.


]]> _Salt Lake City Fri, 10 Feb 2012 09:53:00 -0700 Plane wreckage found in Morgan County http://www.abc4.com:80/content/news/slc/story/Plane-wreckage-found-in-Morgan-County/GUcWLkTbgUix1loGa74Afg.cspx?rss=2256 http://www.abc4.com/s/GUcWLkTbgUix1loGa74Afg.cspx MOUNTAIN GREEN, Utah (ABC 4 News) - Search crews located missing plane that took off and crashed in Morgan County Thursday night. Officials say it appears no one survived the impact.

Investigators tell ABC 4 News that controllers lost contact with the pilot just after take-off, after he had turned around and started to head back towards the airport.

Search teams started looking for the plane Thursday night, but couldn't find any signs of it, and continued Friday morning.

Later Friday morning, crews were able to locate the origin of the plane's radio beacon in a remote area in rugged terrain just northeast of Mountain Green.

Officials say a man and a woman were on board the Cessna 210 aircraft, headed to Wyoming.
ABC 4 has learned that the passenger on the plane was a woman who had flown with her grandmother on a medical helicopter from Douglas, Wyoming to Salt Lake City and was on her way back to Wyoming via a charitable organization that arranges transportation for families and individuals who are unable to pay for travel.

The pilot lived in the Douglas, Wyoming area and had donated his time to help families in need.

ABC 4 later learned the the pilot and passenger were identified as Daleray Madewell and Jeniffer Sebesta, of Douglas, Wyoming.

Sebesta was 36 years old and worked as a labor and delivery nurse at Memorial Hospital of Converse County.

Stay tuned to ABC 4 News and ABC4.com for more on this story.

]]> _Salt Lake City Fri, 10 Feb 2012 06:33:00 -0700 Plane wreckage found in Morgan County Draper man helps federal marshals catch a fugitive http://www.abc4.com:80/content/news/slc/story/Draper-man-helps-federal-marshals-catch-a-fugitive/waY2KlGij06uv2SJLaI-bQ.cspx?rss=2256 http://www.abc4.com/s/waY2KlGij06uv2SJLaI-bQ.cspx DRAPER, Utah (ABC 4 News) - ABC 4 has obtained exclusive home surveillance video of a fugitive take down in Draper.

Federal Marshals were after 50 year-old Stephen Bills. Bills was wanted for jumping probation on organized fraud charges in Florida.

The arrest was a relief for neighbor, Mike Carver. Carver started having issues with Bills in June. He said it started off with simple noise complaints, but that quickly escalated into almost daily harassment. Police had the Carver family document it all, but that wasn't enough. So the Carvers did a background search on their pesky neighbor, and came across several mug shots. They took the information to police, who then called Federal Marshals, leading to Wednesday night’s arrest.

Carver said through it all, he wasn't going to give up on the idea of getting his peaceful home back.

"The instinct was I have to protect my family, protect my house, protect our good name and endure through this,” Carver said.

Bills will be extradited to Florida to face charges. ]]> _Salt Lake City Thu, 09 Feb 2012 21:37:21 -0700 Draper man helps federal marshals catch a fugitive Controversial painting of Obama gaining momentum http://www.abc4.com:80/content/news/slc/story/Controversial-painting-of-Obama-gaining-momentum/4mbtRSDf1kKNQhdqhWeItg.cspx?rss=2256 http://www.abc4.com/s/4mbtRSDf1kKNQhdqhWeItg.cspx SALT LAKE CITY (ABC 4 News) - A political painting is stirring up emotions across America. It's an artist's expression of what's happening on capital hill.

The painting is of President Obama stepping on the constitution. It has sparked controversy nationwide, but the artist is from right here in Utah.

In a Youtube video he said,”This man represents every man, woman, and child who is an American.”

A man sitting on a park bench looks down troubled about something. The artist behind it is Jon McNaughton from Provo. He added America stands on the precipice of disaster. “It’s an artist's interpretation of his political feelings,” said Salt Lake artist, Travis Tanner.

James Madison stands next to Obama asking him to stop. Dollar bills and other documents are scattered on the ground.

Tanner said controversy gets people moving. “It's good to have discussion and discourse about issues. We live in a country where we're free to do that and it's great, unfortunately there's not enough art like this in America anymore,” he commented.

He also pointed out it's also an artist’s way to survive. “A lot of artists are just like everyone else. There is a point where you have to paint things that are going to sell,” Tanner said.
]]> _Salt Lake City Thu, 09 Feb 2012 17:55:00 -0700 Controversial painting of Obama gaining momentum TSA pre-screening program will help passengers avoid long lines http://www.abc4.com:80/content/news/slc/story/TSA-pre-screening-program-will-help-passengers/DAEj1-UKZUaNZUrWxY2nYA.cspx?rss=2256 http://www.abc4.com/s/DAEj1-UKZUaNZUrWxY2nYA.cspx SALT LAKE CITY (ABC 4 News) – There’s good news for frequent fliers in Salt Lake. A new Transportation Security Administration program will allow some people to skip long security lines. Salt Lake International is one of several airports testing out this new plan.

Many of us have waited through long security lines at the airport. “It is the most stressful part of my travel going through security,” said Harrison Powell, a frequent flyer.

There is hope, however, for those who travel often on a plane. A new pre-screening program is supposed to speed things up. “Passengers can provide more information about themselves, and TSA can pre-screen these individuals and allow them to be eligible for expedited screening,” said Lorie Dankers, a TSA spokesperson.

“I fly 12 to 15 times a year and it will make it much nicer. You don't have to take off your belt, take out your carry-on liquids, and you don't have to take a laptop out,” said Dwayne Harris, who is visiting.

Before you get too excited, only select passengers will get to avoid the hassle at the TSA checkpoint, including those uncomfortable pat-downs. Those who get first dibs are frequent flyers and government employees.

Utah's Office of Economic Development believes this will encourage people to fly more. “From a tourist perspective this is very friendly and inviting,” said Deputy Director, Tracie Cayford.

It's a sigh of relief for those people who won't have to organize themselves all over again before boarding. “Usually people have 2 boxes. I have to have at least five, including laptops, electronics, shoes, bags,” said Powell.
]]> _Salt Lake City Thu, 09 Feb 2012 17:16:00 -0700 TSA pre-screening program will help passengers avoid long lines Body found at Roy home http://www.abc4.com:80/content/news/slc/story/Body-found-at-Roy-home/0-Y45jmAFE-1HQVNtDeDug.cspx?rss=2256 http://www.abc4.com/s/0-Y45jmAFE-1HQVNtDeDug.cspx ROY, Utah (ABC 4 News) - Police have located a human body at a Roy home where investigators were digging as part of a missing persons case out of Layton.

Layton Police said investigators on scene at 3812 W 4550 S in Roy located the body Thursday afternoon, after detectives spent days digging up dirt in the backyard of the home.

Weber Metro Crime Scene Investigators have swept the backyard and laid out a grid system to gather evidence.

Officials were searching at the site as part of the investigation into the disappearance of Victor Flores, who was last seen in Layton in May of 2011.

Neighbors said they noticed suspicious activity at the home in the past months.  The renters moved out before investigators served search warrants at the home last week.

"It's definitely sickening to my stomach to just know that this happened in my neighborhood," Jessica Criswell said.

The medical examiner's office has not yet identified the body. Layton police have not said how the discovery affects Flores's case.


 


]]> _Salt Lake City Thu, 09 Feb 2012 16:02:00 -0700 Body found at Roy home Real Salt Lake signs four key players http://www.abc4.com:80/content/news/slc/story/Real-Salt-Lake-signs-four-key-players/FmsXF-BwLE20LqSN97NyCw.cspx?rss=2256 http://www.abc4.com/s/FmsXF-BwLE20LqSN97NyCw.cspx SANDY (ABC 4 Sports) – Real Salt Lake today officially announced the return of four players – MF Yordany Alvarez, FW Fabian Espíndola, MF Ned Grabavoy and FW Paulo Jr. – ahead of the squad’s 2012 Major League Soccer campaign. Per club policy, financial terms for the deals will not be disclosed.

“This offseason was perhaps the most challenging in recent years when it came to keeping together the core and identity of Real Salt Lake,” said RSL General Manager Garth Lagerwey. “While we could not help but lose some valuable contributors, in Fabian Espíndola and Ned Grabavoy we return two players that not only combined for more than 100 starts over the last three seasons, but provide qualities on the field and in the locker room that can’t be measured. With the long-term additions of Yordany Alvarez and Paulo Jr., we lock down two starting-caliber players to provide cover at key positions, depth that will be sorely needed to compete at a high level in every competition we enter.”

RSL accomplished one of its main offseason objectives by agreeing to a new four-year contract with Espíndola. The club retained the services of Espindola after his breakout 2011 season, during which the Argentine striker notched MLS career highs in goals (10), assists (3), games played (27), games started (25), shots (62) and shots on goal (31). The 26-year-old Espindola finished the season listed on MLS’ top ten rankings in shots on goal (T-8th) and shot percentage (50.0%, T-4th), while his 10 tallies made him one of just 15 players across the league to reach double-digit goals and placed just one behind fellow strike-mate Álvaro Saborío for the team lead.

Since joining the Claret-and-Cobalt midway through the 2007 season, Espindola has knocked home 26 goals in regular season play, second only to Robbie Findley (29) on the club’s career chart, and added 10 assists in 95 regular season appearances (77 starts).

“It feels great to be able to continue my career with Real Salt Lake. The negotiations were difficult at times, but I’m glad we could come to an agreement that worked out for both myself and the club,” said Espindola. “It means a lot to me to return to RSL, to Utah. I know the guys well and we’ve got a great group here, one that can fight for every trophy that is in front of us, and that’s very, very important to me.”

The new contract for Grabavoy is a three-year deal that will keep the influential midfielder in Claret-and-Cobalt through the 2014 season. Since joining Real Salt Lake just prior to its 2009 campaign, the 28-year-old Grabavoy has started 47 of his 68 regular season appearances, scoring three goals and adding three assists. The versatile midfielder collected the second-most starts (21), appearances (25) and minutes played (1,899) of his eight MLS seasons for RSL in 2011, and also came off the bench during all three of the squad’s MLS Cup Playoff appearances, adding a pivotal goal in the postseason opener against Seattle in the process.

The New Lenox, Ill., native has tallied eight goals and 17 assists in 162 regular season appearances (117 starts) on behalf of the LA Galaxy (2004-06), Columbus Crew (2006-07), San Jose Earthquakes (2008) and Real Salt Lake (2009-present) since being drafted in the second round (14th overall) by Los Angeles in the 2004 MLS SuperDraft.

“I couldn’t be happier to have the opportunity to continue my career with Real Salt Lake, and I’m excited to find myself in a great situation for continued success,” said Grabavoy. “I want to thank the RSL ownership and management and the coaching staff for not just showing a commitment to me, but for doing everything possible to display a complete and successful product every season. I believe we have the right pieces in place to do some special things, including bringing another championship to our deserving fans.”

The new three-year contract for Alvarez comes after Real Salt Lake exercised a purchase option following the expiration of his loan agreement from Orlando City S.C. of the USL PRO League. The 26-year-old holding midfielder joined RSL at the signing deadline last Sept. 15 and started four of his five appearances down the stretch while captain Kyle Beckerman was unavailable due to national team call-ups and suspension.

Alvarez’s move to Utah last fall followed on the heels of his standout season for Orlando City S.C., during which he helped the squad to the USL PRO League’s regular season title and playoff championship and garnered the league’s Most Valuable Player honor. The one-time Cuban international, who defected while in the U.S. during the 2008 CONCACAF Olympic Qualifying Tournament, received his United States Green Card during the offseason and thus will not occupy an International Player slot on the RSL roster.

“I’m thankful to both Real Salt Lake and Orlando City for coming to an agreement that allows me to be a full member of the RSL squad, and I value the opportunity to work hard and prepare for the start of the season,” said Alvarez. “Getting to play after arriving last fall not only gives me great comfort with the rest of the group for this year, and also the confidence that I can succeed at the MLS level. Knowing that there will be opportunities to perform at points this season just makes me want to work all that much harder to step in and do well for the club.”

Real Salt Lake will also retain the services of Paulo Jr. for the next three seasons after purchasing his rights from USL PRO side Miami FC, from where RSL originally brought him over via a loan deal back in September of 2010. After bursting onto the scene during CONCACAF Champions League play shortly after his arrival in fall 2010, last season saw the diminutive Brazilian suffer from persistent hamstring and hip flexor injuries across the summer that limited him to a pair of goals and four assists in just 11 appearances (5 starts) in MLS play.

“I’m very happy to be back with Real Salt Lake and to get a fresh start to a new season,” Paulo Jr. said. “I plan on continuing to work hard and stay healthy moving forward, and when I accomplish those goals I know I will be able to contribute great things to the club.”
]]> _Salt Lake City Thu, 09 Feb 2012 15:38:06 -0700 Pilot of single-engine plane killed in crash in NH http://www.abc4.com:80/content/news/slc/story/Pilot-of-single-engine-plane-killed-in-crash-in-NH/kfsMroOsjUOwqgShPkEQcw.cspx?rss=2256 http://www.abc4.com/s/kfsMroOsjUOwqgShPkEQcw.cspx LEBANON, N.H. (AP) - The Federal Aviation Administration says a single-engine plane has crashed near a New Hampshire airport, killing the pilot.

FAA spokeswoman Arlene Salac says the pilot was the only person aboard the Cessna 172 when it crashed Thursday afternoon in Lebanon, a city on the Connecticut River. The pilot's identity is unknown.

Salac says the plane took off from Lebanon Airport and then turned around to return to the airport but crashed 500 feet from a runway. She says it's unclear why the plane turned back.

Salac initially said the plane was registered to a business in Ogden, Utah, based on incorrect tail numbers she was given from someone at the scene. She says the plane is registered to a man in Peterborough, N.H., 70 miles south of Lebanon.

(Copyright 2012 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)


]]> _Salt Lake City Thu, 09 Feb 2012 14:31:00 -0700