BEAVER COUNTY, Utah — Formal charges have been filed against a man who is accused of shooting his long-time girlfriend inside a home in a rural area southeast of Beaver City last Saturday.

Ronald Cory Fordham, 42 of Beaver County, has been formally charged with first-degree murder and possession of a firearm by a restricted person. He is scheduled to appear in court April 25.

Fordham was arrested last Saturday after one of his friends called police to report that comments made by the suspect led them to believe Fordham’s girlfriend was in danger.

Responding officers arrived to find 37-year-old Desiree Shotwell dead at the residence. Loved ones have created a GoFundMe page to help her family with expenses.

A previous press release indicated the case was being investigated as a possible case of domestic violence homicide.

Anyone who is in danger or in need of help regarding domestic violence can call the Utah Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-897-5465. In an emergency, dial 911.

For more information about the Utah Domestic Violence Coalition and the resources they offer, click here.