Homicide victim’s name released, juvenile named as suspect

Home of the elderly woman found dead by sheriff's deputies, victim of an apparent homicide, Toquerville, Utah, March 19, 2014 | Photo by Mori Kessler, St. George News

WASHINGTON COUNTY – The Washington County Sheriff’s Office has released the name of the homicide victim found in her home in Toquerville Wednesday. A juvenile taken into custody by sheriff’s deputies as a person of interest in the investigation has now been named as a suspect.

The victim has been identified as 58-year-old Geraldine Bommarito, according to a statement from the sheriff’s office.

Bommarito was found dead in her home shortly after midnight Wednesday by sheriff’s deputies who were originally investigating a nearby residential burglary. A tipster told the deputies that a possible suspect was seen in Washington City and provided a description of the person’s car and license plate. Bammorito was identified as the registered owner of the vehicle.

A teenage male was picked up by deputies Wednesday afternoon as a person of interest related to the homicide. According to the statement, the youth is now considered a suspect in the case. He apparently knew the victim, yet was not related to her.

A vehicle  believed to belong to the victim was also found by detectives Wednesday afternoon. It was discovered in a remote area near Springdale and had been completely torched. Detectives as still in the process of making a complete ID of the vehicle by the VIN.

Detectives do not know if any other property was taken from the victim’s home, other than the vehicle. The investigation is ongoing.

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Copyright St. George News, SaintGeorgeUtah.com LLC, 2014, all rights reserved.

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18 Comments

  • Raymond Holt March 20, 2014 at 1:50 pm

    She was a sweet and wonderful woman. My heart is broken. RIP

  • Still kickin March 20, 2014 at 2:12 pm

    Such a sad story, but why is a 58 yr. old called “elderly”??

  • Nana to 4 March 20, 2014 at 2:31 pm

    58, elderly? So sad. Many condolences to her family

  • D. Woods March 20, 2014 at 2:42 pm

    Alrighty, then, when did being 58 years old become elderly? Especially, these days? Lol

  • My Evil Twin March 20, 2014 at 3:36 pm

    If you are under 25 or so, anything over 35 is elderly. I hope they charge this juvie as an adult. I believe the Spectrum said something about a second person being detained as a “person of interest.” This whole story, between SG News and the Spectrum is quite confusing.

  • Festus March 20, 2014 at 6:42 pm

    I’m glad everybody is so concerned about a 58 year old being called elderly… It’s not like this is a news story about a poor lady getting murdered or anything..

  • Bob Vosper March 20, 2014 at 7:26 pm

    Wow I wonder what Josh Canfield was thinking…If at all….

  • d boy March 20, 2014 at 10:18 pm

    Wow some one had there life taken n hall worried bout being called elderly … when I’m fifty being called elderly is gonna be the least of my worries my condolences to the fan I lost my brother two yrs ago caused by his bike n it was a lot to take in I could only imagine the pain of knowin here life was taking n not natural or accident just know vengeance though feels right at the moment is not the answer and only make a vicious cycle will keep u in our prayers n hope your in a better place
    Ed. ellipsis

  • Gracie March 21, 2014 at 5:16 am

    yes! thank you Festus! how sad that the majority of comments here just complain about a term used instead out a life horribly and prematurely stolen!

  • Craig March 21, 2014 at 6:08 am

    I hope they charge him as an adult then hang him by his …
    Ed. ellipsis

  • maddie March 21, 2014 at 8:23 am

    you no what he has family too learn some respect sure he did a very bad thing but well do stupid … for all we no he could of been out of his mind and not no what he was doing so think before you type!

    Ed. ellipsis.

    • Craig March 21, 2014 at 12:00 pm

      Geri has a family also, as well as many friends. This young man, if he is the guilty party robbed someone of their life. He robbed her many friends and her family by committing this horrific act. You really believe he was not aware of his actions? He was aware enough to try to cover the crime by torching the car. And you’re right, we all do stupid deeds. However, we don’t resort to murder, theft and arson.

  • Mean momma March 21, 2014 at 10:41 am

    I am wondering how this tipster knew that the suspect was getting gas in Washington city? Did they follow the suspect? How did they know!?

    • Dana March 21, 2014 at 12:01 pm

      Maybe the “tipster” was picked up for another crime and traded info. with the authorities. Would not be a first.

  • DoubleTap March 21, 2014 at 12:34 pm

    “Tipster” probably “rolled”. This is what DANA above is referring to. Possible…

  • Bob Vosper March 21, 2014 at 3:37 pm

    This is a very sad chapter for this “now deceased” women’s family and friends. My hope is this young man turns his life around. These things happen because people do evil things. Now it will be reaping the penalty for one’s actions. Being held accountable.

  • Karen Walker March 22, 2014 at 9:20 pm

    Geri was my dear friend. I miss her and am devastated that this talented and giving person, had her life taken in such a horrible way. The murderer needs to be held accountable for his crimes. This was far more than just a “stupid thing”. He took a life. I have many fond memories of good times I spent with Geri and her sweet little dog, Angel. I only wish I was able to look forward to more of those moments.

    • Raymond Holt March 26, 2014 at 11:58 am

      I was her friend as well. I am sick and tired of hearing about the killer. I could care less whether he was out of mind or not. I could care less about whether he had a rough life or he had bad potty training and this led up to this crime. He was a person who killed another one. I hope they try him as an adult and throw the book at him. We can never lose sight of the beautiful person who lost her life. She was sweet and kind and left a positive impression on everybody she met. I am trying to find out if when and where the services are being held.

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