A Utah man and his wife were found dead in a suspected murder-suicide, with Olin Johnson accused of fatally shooting Kerilyn Johnson before turning the gun on himself in their American Fork, Utah home. The motive for the killing has not been disclosed, but a family member discovered their bodies. Neighbors of the couple indicated they were playing softball with them the night before the shooting and did not notice any problems as Olin hinted at future plans. The couple had recently celebrated their 32nd wedding anniversary.
Prior to the tragic incident, Olin had shared concerning thoughts on social media, expressing his love for motorcycles and skiing. His post on June 18 mentioned how motorcycles and skiing always loved him back, alongside pictures of him enjoying these activities. Olin’s social media account highlighted his family, with a bio stating he was a father to six kids and a beautiful wife, particularly showcasing Kerilyn. The American Fork Police have requested privacy for the grieving family and offered condolences to their loved ones.
Olin Johnson, the owner of Simtek Modular, a service company that makes modular panels for force-on-force training, also had connections with organizations like the US Border Patrol, FBI, and Utah County Sheriff’s Office. Recent posts on social media documented the couple’s trip to Australia, where they celebrated Kerilyn’s birthday and praised her breadmaking skills. Kerilyn was an adjunct faculty member at the BYU School of Music, teaching various courses and performing in main stage productions across the US, Russia, and Baltic States. She is remembered as a generous and kind friend who will be deeply missed.
Friends and colleagues like Gayle Lockwood, a retired voice teacher at BYU, expressed their sadness over the loss of Kerilyn, describing her as one of the most generous and supportive people they had ever known. Lockwood, who had Johnson as a student and friend, referred to her as a light that will be missed in the world. A GoFundMe campaign was set up by a family friend to raise funds for the Johnson children, who now have to navigate the tragedy and handle funeral expenses and unexpected costs in the coming weeks and months.
The Johnson family’s sudden passing has left many devastated, prompting a wave of support for their six children through the crowdfunding campaign. The hope is that the financial burden of funeral expenses and other unforeseen costs can be alleviated for the family in the wake of this tragedy. The American Fork community and beyond have come together to show love and support for the Johnson family during this difficult time. The impact of their loss has reverberated through both their personal and professional circles, with many remembering Kerilyn’s kindness and contribution to the music community.
