Woman identified after allegedly being locked in storage unit before fatal fire
MURRAY, Utah (KUTV) — A woman who was allegedly locked in a storage unit with her dog before it caught on fire, killing them both, has been identified.
Police said 27-year-old Morgan Kay Harris, from Southern Utah, was found dead at the scene of CubeSmart Self Storage in Murray just before 5 p.m. on Saturday.
Police shared the following statement on her family's behalf:
“Our daughter, Morgan Kay Harris, was always known for her sweet, shy, and kind temperament, being a deep thinker with amazing artistic abilities and always having an infectious giggle. She was a beautiful model and makeup artist and a successful medical assistant. Just recently starting a new job in the Draper area she was excited about. She loved her dog, Huck, who passed with her. Leaving behind her parents, siblings, nieces, and nephews whom she adored. We are devastated at the loss of our daughter and appreciate the love and support from the community but ask for your privacy at this time as we maneuver through the unimaginable."
A GoFundMe for Harris' family has been set up for those wishing to donate.
Previous reports from 2News
- Suspect released on bond one day before fatal storage unit fire in Murray
- Police say man locked girlfriend in Murray storage unit before fire that killed her
- Fire kills one person, dog at Murray storage unit
On Sunday, Alexander Wardell, 30, was arrested on one felony charge of kidnapping and one charge of negligent homicide in relation to the incident. Officials said Wardell was Harris' boyfriend who admitted to intentionally locking her in the storage unit and walking away before it caught fire.
2News found that a warrant was issued by Salt Lake City police against Wardell for a probation violation on Feb. 16. Court documents show that Wardell paid a $5,000 bond and was released the next day — one day before the fatal fire.
He was taken to Salt Lake County Jail for the charges in the incident, as well as a probation violation charge that appeared on Sunday.
The investigation remains ongoing as of Monday. Officials said they also remain working to determine the cause of the fire.
If you or someone you know are experiencing domestic or dating violence, resources are available to help. If you or a loved one are in immediate danger, call 911.
The Utah Domestic Violence Coalition hotline can be reached 24/7 at 1-800-897-5465, or the National Domestic Violence Hotline is available at 1-800-799-7233.
A list of local domestic violence shelters can be found at domesticshelters.org. Resources and shelter are also available through the YWCA of Utah.
