Darren West revisited his previous residence in Pleasant Grove, Utah, in April 2014 to collect some of his personal items. Upon his return, he made a shocking discovery in the garage left behind by his ex-wife, Megan Huntsman’s, including six cardboard boxes containing the bodies of newborn babies. Authorities revealed that a seventh child seemed to have been stillborn. Huntsman was later identified as the perpetrator of these gruesome murders, having suffocated or strangled six of her own newborns between 1996 and 2006.
Court records disclosed that Huntsman, a heavy methamphetamine user, expressed a lack of desire for the infants. It was confirmed that West was the biological father of the seven children, consisting of five girls and two boys, with whom he shared three surviving children.
Although not considered a suspect, West’s lack of awareness regarding the pregnancies or deaths over the years was questioned by authorities. The infants, placed in plastic bags, were stored in boxes in the garage after Huntsman moved out. At the time of her sentencing at 40 years old, Huntsman admitted to the killings and pleaded guilty to six counts of murder in February 2015.
During the trial in Provo, a judge imposed the maximum sentence of at least 30 years, with the potential for life imprisonment. Prosecuting attorney Jeff R. Buhman characterized the murders as premeditated and heartless acts, describing Huntsman as remarkably indifferent and callous towards her actions.
Huntsman gave birth at home, concealing the pregnancies and deaths from others. Her minimal participation in the court proceedings, repeatedly stating “guilty,” reflected her drug addiction and offered little explanation for hiding the bodies in the garage. She admitted to struggling with drug addiction, later turning to alcohol due to depression, which clouded her judgment.
Pleasant Grove Police Captain Mike Roberts condemned Huntsman’s actions as selfish and drug-fueled, highlighting her disregard for the infants and responsibilities. The Utah Board of Pardons and Parole scheduled Huntsman’s initial parole hearing for April 2064, indicating a potential release when she reaches 89 years old, with uncertainties regarding her release.
Prosecuting attorney Buhman expressed the expectation that Huntsman would likely remain incarcerated for the remainder of her life.
