5-year-old girl allegedly slain by uncle to be laid to rest
Posted June 4, 2019 1:30 am.
LOGAN, Utah — A 5-year-old girl who police say was taken from her home and killed by her uncle is expected to be laid to rest at a funeral Tuesday.
Elizabeth “Lizzy” Shelley disappeared May 25 and was found dead less than a block from her home after a wide-ranging five-day search.
A service will be held at Nyman Funeral Home in Logan after a procession from the cemetery. A vigil and public viewing of Shelley’s body were held earlier this week.
Her uncle Alex Whipple is accused of killing her after his sister let him spend the night at the family’s Logan home, prosecutors said. He’s charged with aggravated murder, child kidnapping and other counts.
Whipple told his lawyer where to find her after prosecutors promised to take the death penalty off the table, according to police.
Defence attorney Shannon Demler has said his client did something inexcusable but wants the family to find closure.
A judge read Whipple the charges for the first time on Monday in Logan, about 80 miles (129 kilometres) north of Salt Lake City.
Lizzy’s blood was found on Whipple’s watch and sweatshirt, authorities said, and his handprint was discovered on a PVC pipe. Her blood was also found on a broken knife taken from the family’s kitchen, charging documents state.
Whipple has a criminal record that includes a 2016 assault, possession of a stolen vehicle and drug-related charges.
Lindsay Whitehurst, The Associated Press
