A Utah community was on edge and warned to stay inside with doors locked as authorities on March 5 continue hunting for a suspect they believe is responsible for the deaths of three women.
The women were discovered dead in different locations in Wayne County in the southern part of the state on March 4, according to theUtah Department of Public Safety, which said it is investigating along with local law enforcement.
On the afternoon of March 4, authorities received a call about two women found dead on a hiking trail. A third woman was found dead at a residence in the county. The women are in their 30s, 60s and 80s, according to the department. Officials haven't said why they believe the deaths in separate locations are linked.
Authorities are searching for a 2022 white Subaru Outback with license plate U560YF, and are asking for the public to report any sightings but not to approach the vehicle if spotted. No description of a suspect was given.
As the suspect remains at large, the Department of Public Safety and the Wayne County Sheriff's Office asked the community in the town of Torrey and surrounding areas to remain vigilant.
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"Due to recent incidents that have occurred in Wayne County today, WCSO is asking that all residents take extra precautions, keep lights on, keep doors locked, remain home or with others this evening if possible," the sheriff's officesaidlate on March 4.
Authorities in neighboring Garfield County on March 4 also asked residents to lock their doors but said they had no reason to believe the suspect had traveled there, and later said they believe "there is no longer a threat in our area."
The WayneCounty School District shuttered schools"out of an abundance of caution and concern for student and public safety" on March 5 and 6, and alocal health clinicsaid it was also closing its doors March 5.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY:3 women found dead in Wayne County, Utah, murders; suspect at large