A heartbreaking incident in West Valley City has left families, advocates, and the wider community grieving after three men with disabilities were found dead in a vehicle, prompting serious criminal charges and renewed calls for stronger oversight in disability care services.
According to the West Valley City Police Department, a 25-year-old employee responsible for transporting people with disabilities was arrested Friday in connection with the deaths. Authorities say the man now faces multiple charges, including three counts of manslaughter and aggravated abuse of a vulnerable adult.
Police identified the three victims as Colton Moser, 25, Mosa’ati Moa, 22, and Tim Jones, 39. Investigators say all three men died from carbon monoxide poisoning after being left inside a vehicle that was running for several hours.
Officials stated that the suspect was employed by a transportation company tasked with safely moving clients between assisted living or group home facilities. During an interview with investigators, he allegedly said that while transporting the three men on Friday morning, he stopped at his residence because one passenger was being disruptive. Authorities say he left the men inside the vehicle, which was parked in a garage, and went into his apartment for several hours.
Police report that when the driver later returned to the garage in the early afternoon to continue the scheduled transport, he found the men unresponsive. Emergency responders were called to the scene, but all three were pronounced dead.
The incident has been described as deeply troubling by disability rights advocates. Nate Crippes, a supervising attorney with the Disability Law Center, called the case “horrific and tragic,” emphasizing that people with disabilities can be especially vulnerable in care and transportation settings.
“Individuals with disabilities are at a higher risk of neglect or abuse,” Crippes said, noting that while laws exist to protect vulnerable adults, gaps in oversight can still occur. He stressed the importance of accountability and proper supervision of service providers entrusted with the care and safety of people who rely on them.
Advocates say this tragedy highlights the need for families and communities to stay informed and engaged. Knowing how service providers are licensed, monitored, and regulated can be an important step in helping ensure the safety of those receiving care.
The suspect was taken into custody Friday night and booked into the Salt Lake County Jail, where he remains as the legal process moves forward. Authorities have emphasized that the investigation is ongoing and that additional details may be released as the case develops.
As news of the incident spreads, many in the community are expressing grief for the three men whose lives were lost and sympathy for their families. The case has also sparked broader conversations about safety standards, responsibility, and the protection of vulnerable individuals who depend on others for daily support.
🕯️ What We Know So Far:
- Three men with disabilities died from carbon monoxide exposure
- A transport employee has been arrested and charged
- The case remains under active investigation
- Disability advocates are calling for improved oversight and safeguards
In moments like this, communities are reminded of the critical responsibility carried by caregivers and service providers—and the lasting impact when that trust is broken.
