American Fork, Utah — A local couple was found deceased in their home in a tragic event that police are investigating as a murder-suicide. The bodies of Olin Johnson, 57, and his wife Kerilyn, 52, were discovered on Thursday afternoon, just days after Olin posted reflective and somber thoughts on social media.
According to authorities, it appears Olin fatally shot his wife before turning the gun on himself. The Johnsons, who resided in a $1.34-million house in American Fork and were known for their active participation in the community, had celebrated their 32nd wedding anniversary in April. A family member made the grim discovery of their bodies, prompting an immediate investigation by local police. The motive behind the incident has not been disclosed.
Neighbors reported interacting with the couple as recently as the night before the tragedy, noting that they appeared normal and were making future plans, including discussing their next softball game. Olin Johnson had taken to social media to share his love for motorcycles and skiing. In a haunting final post before the murder-suicide, he wrote: “No matter how crappy a person I am, motorcycles always love me back. Oh and skiing. Skiing loves me too.”
Olin Johnson, according to his LinkedIn profile, was the owner of Simtek Modular, a company specializing in modular panels for force-on-force training with clients including the US Border Patrol and FBI. Kerilyn Johnson, on the other hand, was an adjunct faculty member at the BYU School of Music, where she had taught several courses over the last two years.
Kerilyn was also known for her involvement in the arts, performing in main stage productions across the U.S., Russia, and the Baltic States. She balanced her professional commitments with raising their six children and maintaining a private studio at their home.
In remembrance, colleagues and friends spoke highly of Kerilyn’s generosity and kindness. Gayle Lockwood, a retired voice teacher at BYU who knew Kerilyn both as a student and a friend, remarked, “Kerilyn was literally one of the most generous, kind, supportive people that I have ever known. She is a light that will be missed in the world.”
As the community reels from the shock, a GoFundMe page has been set up to support the Johnson children. The crowdfunding effort aims to ease the financial burden of funeral expenses and other immediate costs the family will face. The description on the page notes the community’s desire to show support to the children as they navigate through this devastating period.
The investigation is ongoing, and further details will be disclosed as they become available. In the meantime, the Johnson family has requested privacy as they mourn their loss. The American Fork Police have expressed their deepest condolences to the friends and family of Olin and Kerilyn Johnson during this incredibly difficult time.