Huntsville, AL: Boy Survived By Playing Dead After Stepfather Killed His Mother

A 12-year-old boy who survived by playing dead after his stepfather killed his mother and shot him in the face remained in a Central Texas hospital Tuesday.
Reporter: By Kristen Ross, KBTX-TV

Investigators found shell casings in the yard of the home where the shootings occurred.
MADISON COUNTY (May 18, 2010)--A husband and wife are dead and one of the woman’s three children was in critical condition after a murder-suicide early Monday morning in Madison County.

Sheriff’s deputies say the shootings happened off FM 3060 in Midway just after 5:30 a.m. Monday.

"I pulled up and I was pretty shocked," said Lance Ferguson, the owner of the home.

Sheriff’s Deputy Ivan Linebaugh was one of the first on the scene.

He said one of the boy’s woke up when he heard a shot.

Investigators said the boys’ stepfather shot and killed their mother on the front porch before turning the gun on them.

"One of the 12-year-old boys was in the bedroom laying on the floor, he was alive...but shot in the face," Linebaugh said.

Authorities say the young boy played dead on the floor while his brother sneaked out a back bedroom window and ran for help.

That’s when authorities believe the stepfather went outside and killed himself.

“(The boy) ran next door and I guess that's when he called 911," a neighbor said.

"I didn't know what was happening."

When deputies arrived on the scene, shell casings lined the front yard and the family dogs were guarding the bodies of Michelle Utterback, 44, and her husband George Utterback Jr.

While what triggered the violence may never be known, the children told investigators that family turmoil wasn't uncommon.

"According to the son, he said they were fighting just about all of (Sunday) night," Linebaugh said.

The boy who was shot was transferred to Scott & White Hospital in Temple.

Authorities said they do not believe his injuries are life threatening.

Deputies add that typically three children reside in the home, but that an older sibling spent the night with a friend Sunday evening.

Officials with the Madison County Sheriff's Office say Child Protective Services has investigated the family before.

They also said the biological father of at least two of the children has been trying find the children for the past two years.

He was told about Monday morning's events and was on his way to be with them.