Family of 4, And Dog, Found Dead in Murder-Suicide: Cops

A family of four and their dog were found shot to death in Utah in what police believe was a murder-suicide. 

Timothy Griffith , 45, his wife, 42-year-old wife Jessica Griffith,  his stepdaughter Samantha Badel, 16, and his  5-year-old son Alexendre, were all found dead in their Mapleton home Thursday, police said. 

The family dog was also killed in the shooting. 

Police said the family moved to the town months ago from Switzerland after Timothy Griffith got a job in the state. A family friend told KUTV that the move was a “dream come true” for the family. 

Friends reportedly said the deaths were shocking because the Griffiths were "a very affectionate family." 

"I just can't imagine what happened, when I talked to him there was no depression, there was no anything. It's just amazing just comprehend what happened," neighbor Doug Allin told the station. "It seems like everyone was getting along really good.”

Neighbors called police after they noticed the family’s cars had not moved and their lights had not been turned off for days, authorities said.

One member of the family had also not shown up for work, according to police.

When officers arrived, no one answered the front door,  police said. Authorities then removed a window to get inside and found the bodies.

Police said they are investigating the tragedy. 

Mapleton has a population of about 9,500.