SPRINGVILLE, Utah — Medical examiners have ruled that a family of five found dead in their Utah home all died from poisoning, likely because the parents were concerned about a “pending apocalypse.”
Parents Benjamin and Kristi Strack died from self-inflicted poisoning, according to a report by KSTU which cited authorities and documents released on Tuesday.
The deaths of the youngest two children were ruled homicides. The 14-year-old’s death was ruled undetermined.
The Strack’s 18-year-old son found all five bodies in the parents’ bedroom on Sept. 27. The parents and the 14-year-old were found in the bed while the other two children were found on mattresses next to the bed, according to the Springville Police Chief J. Scott Finlayson.
Police said they found medications and cups filled with a “red liquid” next to the bodies. Multiple boxes of cold and flu medication were recovered at the home.
Methadone was also found inside the home.
According to officials, friends and family said the parents were concerned with the “evil in world,” a “pending apocalypse” and wanted to escape the “impending doom.” Friends interpreted the statements to suggest the family would possibly move somewhere to live “off the grid.”
Officials recovered a letter written by the 14-year-old that revealed he knew he was going to die and his intention to leave his possessions to a friend.
In an affidavit, an officer said it is likely the deaths were not accidental, and stated “…with the placement of the bodies, it would appear somebody had to position the bodies after they were deceased.”
