A man who killed his wife, in-laws and three pet dogs before posting about it on Facebook called the police himself and demanded death by firing squad.
Victims Anastasia Stevens, 36, her dad Don Stevens, 73, and stepmum Becky Stevens, 61, are believed to have been shot by Jeremy Lake Baily.
He also boasted of killing three of the family’s four dogs in the bloodbath at the family home in the city of Layton, in the US state of Utah, on Friday, 19th May.
Using an account on Facebook in his wife’s name, he allegedly wrote in a chilling post: “MASSACRE SUICIDE”.
He added: “Jeremy Bailey JUST KILLED EVERYONE Becky Stevens Don Stevens AND 3 OF THE 4 DOGS 1832 EAST GENTILE STREET LAYTON.” (sic)
Layton Police Department said they received a call from Bailey at 9:45am on Friday saying that he had just murdered his wife and in-laws, who were visiting.
Police documents revealed that he stated that there would be “a murder-suicide”.
But police kept him on the line and when they arrived they convinced him to come outside where he was arrested, according to local media.
Police confirmed the identity of the victims in a statement obtained by Newsflash, adding: “The suspect is identified as 34-year-old Jeremy Bailey.
“Jeremy Bailey and Anastasia lived at the residence where the incident occurred.
“Becky Stevens and Donald Stevens were Nevada residents who are visiting this address.”
While in custody, police say that they overheard the “excited” suspect saying: “I can’t believe I did it.”
And Bailey reportedly told them he would rather face the death penalty and spend the rest of his life in prison.
Bailey also reportedly asked if death by firing squad was still in use.
The police said: “A motive for these crimes has not been determined yet, and the cause of death is still being investigated.”
Bailey is being held at David County jail charged with aggravated murder, discharge of a firearm and cruelty to animals, according to local media.
Utah’s state code still carries the death penalty for murder, normally by lethal injection.
But an exception can reportedly be made under Section 1 (a) to allow death by firing squad.
