Utah father of six Olin Johnson killed wife in murder-suicide after chilling final Facebook post: police
A Utah man and his wife were found dead in a suspected murder-suicide on Thursday afternoon, days after he reflected on being a “crappy person” in his final chilling social media post.
Olin Johnson, 57, is accused of fatally shooting Kerilyn Johnson, 52, before turning the gun on himself inside their $1.34-million American Fork, Utah home, according to KUTV.
Police have not disclosed a motive for the killing, but said a family member discovered their parents’ bodies.
Neighbors of the couple said they were playing softball with them the night before the shooting, and didn’t notice any problems as Olin hinted at future plans, the outlet reported.
The couple celebrated their 32nd wedding anniversary in April.
Before the tragedy, Olin shared his concerning thoughts and love for his motorcycle.
“No matter how crappy a person I am, motorcycles always love me back. Oh and skiing. Skiing loves me too,” Olin’s post on June 18 read alongside pictures of him riding his bike and skiing.
Olin’s account featured a bio that read “father to 6 great kids and one Beautiful wife,” and also featured his family, especially Kerilyn.
“The family is requesting privacy as they grieve their loss. We express our most profound and sincere condolences to the family and friends of Olin and Kerilyn,” the American Fork Police said.
According to his LinkedIn, Olin is listed as the owner of Simtek Modular, a “service company that makes modular panels for force-on-force training.”
The page alleges the company has worked on projects with the US Border Patrol, FBI and Utah County Sheriff’s Office.
Recent posts showcased the couple’s trip to Australia, where they celebrated Kerilyn’s birthday and a separate post praising her breadmaking.
Kerilyn Johnson was an adjunct faculty member at the BYU School of Music where she taught several courses over the last two years.
She is credited with performing in multiple main stage productions and performed in throughout the US, Russia and Baltic States while completing her bachelor’s degree.
“Currently, she does studio work locally and maintains her private studio at home, in addition to being a mother of six,” her bio read.
She was remembered as a generous friend that would be missed.
“Kerilyn was literally one of the most generous, kind, supportive people that I have ever known,” Gayle Lockwood told KUTV.
Lockwood, a retired voice teacher at BYU, said she had Johnson as a student and called her a friend.
“She is a light that will be missed in the world,” she added.
A GoFundMe was created by a family friend to raise funds for the Johnson children who have to make funeral arrangements.
“With the sudden passing of Olin and Kerilyn Lowe Johnson many are devastated and desire to show love and support to their six children as they navigate this tragedy,” the crowdfunding read.
“It is hoped that they would not need to shoulder the financial burden of paying for funeral expenses and other unexpected costs over the coming weeks and months.”
