‘Loving’ Parents Of 3 Killed While Fighting Off Violent Home Invader As Their Kids Were Asleep Upstairs

A Utah couple was killed fighting off an armed intruder who entered their home while their three children were sleeping upstairs.

The assailant broke into the West Jordan home of Tony, 31, and Katherine Butterfield, 30, early Saturday morning, West Jordan police spokesman Sgt. J.C. Holt told Oxygen.com. Both parents were fatally shot.

The couple's three kids — ages 4, 2, and about six months old — were asleep when the assault took place. 

Police were called after a neighbor said they heard gunshots and a woman screaming. When police arrived at the Butterfield home, they found Tony's body in the backyard and Katherine's right inside the home's doorway.

“It looks like there was probably some kind of altercation that happened right there," Holt told Oxygen.com.

He said it appears that the intruder may have been injured with a knife. He said it's not clear whether it was Katherine or Tony who may have hurt the assailant. 

Holt said the intruder apparently rummaged through the home but it’s unclear if any belongings were stolen. There were signs of forced entry.

‘We are working hard to bring resolution to this case,” police stated Saturday. 

The Butterfield's family is now left to grapple with their tragic loss.

“The families of Tony and Katherine C. Butterfield are devastated by the sudden passing of their loved ones,” the grieving family wrote in a statement. “Tony and Katherine were incredible Christ-like, kind, happy, and loving parents, children, siblings and friends.”

Tony and Katherine Butterfield Photo: Facebook

The distraught family added that they already forgive their loved one's killer.

“We hold no ill-will towards to the[sic] perpetrator(s) and pray for them and their families,” they wrote. 

No suspects or persons of interest have been named.

Police are expected to update the public on the case during a Monday afternoon news conference.