Caregiver charged in Crucifixion-Style Murder – 2 others charged in abuse

In Kearns Utah, police have arrested 3 people in the unusual murder and abuse of a disabled woman. According to authorities, Christina Harms, 22, was found dead, bound in the form of a crucifix in the closet of her family home. the body was bruised, and evidence such as plastic zip ties and bandages allegedly show the victim was bound and tortured. Harms had special needs and couldn’t take care of herself.

“They found a closet in the family room and in that closet there was an alarm on the door and a metal bar hanging in the closet to where they found evidence of the victim being hung crucifixion-style in this closet,” said Unified Police Lt. Justin Hoyal. Fox News

Arrested by police were Harm’s primary caretaker, 27-year-old Cassandra Shepard, on charges of murder, domestic violence and obstructing justice. And also arrested were Shepard’s mother, Sherrie Lynn Beckering, 50, and stepfather, Dale Beckering, 53, who were booked on the charge of domestic violence of a vulnerable adult. Police say the Beckerings took care of the victim for a good part of last year and were aware of the crime.

Police are awaiting autopsy results, to confirm the actual cause of death. No motive has been found. None of the suspect have any criminal background.

“The case is still early and we’re looking into all the motives and the reason for this, but this is obviously a very sad and tragic situation that took place in this residence,” said Hoyal. Several neighbors were shocked to hear about the murder. “It disgusts me that someone would actually do that to a human being,” said neighbor Michael Sly.

Fox News

The family moved into the home about 3 months ago, and no one knew anything about them.

Authorities have confirmed children were in the home at the time of the alleged crime. The victim had a 2-year-old daughter and Shepard has two children, ages 5 and 9. All of the children are now in state custody and not believed to be victims of abuse.