SPRINGVILLE, Utah - A preliminary autopsy has ruled out any violent assault in the deaths of five Utah family members including three children, police said Sunday. There was no evidence of stabbing or gunshot wounds or other visible injuries to the five found dead Saturday night in their home in Springville, about 45 miles south of Salt Lake City, investigators said. The five were identified Sunday as Benjamin Strack, 37, his wife, Kristi, 36, and three of their children, Benson, 14, Emery, 12, and Zion, 11.
Police Lt. Dave Caron said the cause of death has not been determined, and will not be until an analysis of blood samples is concluded. While a test of air in the house by firefighters did not find any carbon monoxide, investigators have not ruled that out as the cause of death. Asked whether foul play has been ruled out, Caron told The Associated Press, "I don't rule out anything ... We haven't ruled out anything except there was no violent trauma. We're going to look at everything."
