LOGAN — Cache County Sheriff’s deputies have arrested a Logan man accused of killing his father. Clayton Shaw, 33, was booked early Saturday morning a, day after his father, Dennis Shaw, 77, was found dead near the Franklin Basin parking lot in Logan Canyon.
Cache County Sheriff Chad Jensen said investigators have determined Dennis Shaw’s death was a homicide. They have begun questioning the suspect and witnesses, piecing together a motive.
“The investigators have that information but we are not ready to release it to the public at this time,” said Jensen.
Dennis Shaw’s body was located around 9:30 a.m. Sept. 27 by a hunter who was walking in the area. Deputies and paramedics were dispatched to the scene and confirmed the victim was deceased.
Investigators believe Dennis Shaw had been dead for around eight hours before being found. The State Medical Examiner’s Office is conducting an autopsy to determine the exact cause of death.
Deputies obtained several search warrants for two residences and several vehicles. The warrants were executed as investigators looked for further evidence.
Jensen said law enforcement has had prior involvements with both Dennis Shaw and Clayton Shaw.
“Yes, we’ve had dealings with both the victim and the suspect in different cases throughout the years.”
Early Saturday morning, Sheriff’s Office detectives arrested Clayton Shaw. He was booked on suspicion of murder, a first-degree felony.
Jensen said detectives are asking the public who may have seen anything suspicious to contact law enforcement. They are particularly interested if anyone saw Clayton’s black BMW or Dennis’ white Ford F-150 truck during the past couple days.
“Any information people would have about the relationships between the two,” stated Jensen, “or sightings of the vehicles within the last 48 hours.”
Investigators do not think there are any other suspects and there is no evidence to believe the community is in any danger.
Jensen expressed appreciation to the public for their help as investigators worked to bring a quick resolution to this case. He realized that the temporary closure of the parking lot was an inconvenience for many people.
“The parking lot in Franklin Basin is a busy place anytime and specifically this time of year,” said Jensen. “When we had to close that parking lot, the public was actually helping us block roads and was more than cooperative and helpful to investigators to get their job completed in a timely manner. It was reopened Saturday morning.”
Clayton Shaw is being held without bail. The investigation remains ongoing and formal charges are expected to be filed by the Cache County Attorney’s Office next week.
Jensen said anyone with information regarding the case are urged to contact the Cache County Sheriff’s Office at 435-755-1100 or submit tips online at www.cachesheriff.gov.
Individuals arrested and charged in complaints are presumed innocent unless or until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in court.