In a tragic incident, a 16-year-old high school student systematically killed his family members over a five-hour period. Colin Jeffrey “CJ” Haynie carried out a mass shooting at his family home in January 2020, resulting in the deaths of his mother and three siblings, with his father surviving the attack, according to Tooele County Attorney Scott Broadhead.
Haynie confessed to the police his actions when he was apprehended at a local hospital. This marked the first instance of such violence in Grantsville, Utah, in two decades.
The tragic events unfolded as Consuelo Alejandra Haynie, 52, and her 12-year-old daughter Maylan were fatally shot by Colin Haynie upon returning home from school. Subsequently, his 15-year-old sister Alexis was also shot upon her arrival, followed by the execution-style killing of his 14-year-old brother Matthew. The father was injured but managed to disarm his son upon returning home, preventing further harm.
Colin Haynie, who later pleaded guilty to the murders, attributed his actions to social isolation, conflicts with his father, and unmet expectations. He received a 25-year sentence for each murder charge, to be served consecutively, in addition to a concurrent sentence for attempted murder.
At the funeral service for the Haynie family, Danny Haynie expressed love and remembrance for the deceased family members, including a message of support for his brother, the perpetrator of the tragedy. Despite the immense loss, the family found solace in the belief that they will be reunited in the afterlife.
The funeral ceremony was attended by numerous mourners, with four caskets representing the lives lost, each adorned with flowers. Danny Haynie emphasized the eternal bond of family, expressing hope for a future reunion.
The family’s spirit and memories were honored during the service, with Colin Haynie’s absence noted but forgiveness and focus on positive recollections emphasized by his father. The ceremony concluded with a poignant reminder of the enduring nature of familial love and unity.
