Location & Time
Mass shooting in Enoch, Utah. January 4, 2023 (MST)
A Preventable Tragedy
It was not an unimaginable blow to this community based on a series of domestic accusations made by the wife, Tausha, and two elderly daughters’ constant complaints to their friends for the brutal behaviors their father has.
The whole brewing disturbing hatred and unsettling relationships in the Height family.
Homicide
Michael Haught committed the horrendous but somehow traceable ravaging crime of killing all his five children, wife, and mother-in-law before taking his own life.
An Official’s Convulse Words
An officer in Enoch City, Utah told the reporters at the press that, “…you may have noticed there’s a little quacking in our voice and a little shininess to our eyes. That’s not fear. We are not afraid of you…”
I frowned at his words. What was there to fear? The revelation of a ‘scandal’ within this blessed community? Or the uncovering of the factors that contributed to such a tragedy and what the local police department needs to be more aware of?
Some independent media outlets may tend to exaggerate crimes related to religion. They exploit the deaths to reinforce their biases or misconceptions about religion.
However, I also believe that most reporters are not only trying to expose this grave social issue but are also desperate to know how the Mayor and the local police department will act differently in the future to prevent such a massacre from recurring in what appears to be a normal, all-Americans family.
A Depressing Family in a Tight-knit County
The bond within this community is intimate. The Mayor, with understandable emotion, shared that the youngest victim had played with his son in his yard. He expressed pride and fulfillment in the fact that Enoch City has the lowest rate of house sales, as residents are reluctant to leave such a caring community.
However, neighbors were aware of Michael’s pretentious facade and his disturbingly controlling behavior towards his wife and children. Moreover, the elder children confided in their friends about their father’s hateful nature.
But no one took proactive resolutions, even when Michael gathered all the weapons in the house, his wife did not report her concern to the police, or she expected to be dismissed again, just like the previous accusations of him abusing the family.
Even though the Height family had reported numerous accusations of domestic abuse, Michael was never charged by the police.
Whom to Blame For?
Albeit the Mayor stated that it’s time to mourn the irreversible tragedy and not regret who should have done what. I think while our heart goes with the whole family, it’s essential to consecrate such a sickening crime.
No minors should worry about being shot while lying on their beds or reading books on the weekends, nor should they sacrifice their lives in arguments between their parents.
Deranging Funeral
The eulogy for Michael was a disservice to his daughters, reflecting a delusional belief fostered by the community. Michael, a murderer, was praised and memorized as a devout father. Like his pretentious facade in public, Michael’s funeral was covered by an ostentatious ceremony.
It is disheartening to witness an entire town prioritizing its reputation over confronting the true aspects of humanity.
I wonder how many more families will need to be sacrificed to force the Mayor to take this serious issue into responsibility instead of attributing everything to God.
My Encounter with Missionaries
In my interactions with the missionaries at the nearby church, I’ve observed that these polite teenagers seem perpetually joyful and to be unaffected by daily nuisances. They appear untroubled by the chaos of traffic or the sweltering weather.
They never answer our questions without saying God will help us resolve any difficulties. They don’t have their opinions on nearly everything because it’s all arranged by God. They love everyone because God loves everyone.
Seeing people retreat into a fairytale mindset upon entering the church doesn’t bother me, I know that simply advising them to have more faith, pray harder, act in faith, or comprehend the suffering of God on our behalf can somehow comfort their misery.
Religion and Reality
There are times when someone is visibly distressed and exuding a sense of hopelessness, I want to encourage them to seek mental health counseling, rather than
Telling a single mom who’s struggling mentally to just work harder or be more positive is insensitive. Instead, we should encourage her to indulge in self-care, visit a salon, or reconnect with old friends. It’s perfectly healthy and normal to seek help with childcare.
Venting about workplace injustices is a valid way to alleviate stress, and it’s important to remember that you are still loved, even at your lowest points.
Displaying agony and failure in church appears to be a taboo or sin, leading people to ignore any negativity. However, they enjoy gossiping about such matters without compassion. They extend their prayers, seemingly to show pity for others’ misfortunes and to demonstrate an effort to help.
It’s always easy to say loving words to people, but it’s not easy to adopt practice techniques to save a life.
