‘Our hearts ache’: Relatives of slain West Valley family react to tragedy

WEST VALLEY CITY — Bu Meh left her home in Myanmar a decade ago to start a better life for herself and her family.

“Over 10 years ago, she fled a violent situation in her home country of Myanmar, where her people were being ethnically cleansed by their government. She came to the United States with her husband and young family with little more than the clothing on their backs. Since coming to the United States, she taught herself English, learned valuable skills, and worked tirelessly to support her growing family. Her dream was to one day own her own home and to live comfortably alongside her husband and their four beautiful children,” according to Meh’s extended family.

That dream ended over the weekend when Meh, her two daughters and two sons, were all shot by her husband and their father, according to police.

Those killed include:

• Bu Meh, 38, mother
• Boe Reh, 11, son
• Kristina Ree, 8, daughter
• Nyay Meh, 2, daughter

Sha Reh, 17, was found alive in the garage after being shot in the head and is undergoing treatment for a traumatic brain injury.

“He has a long and complex road to recovery. He needs our full attention, our unconditional love and the Savior’s gifts of healing and peace,” according to the family.

On Thursday, the names of the victims of the tragic family shootings were released by police. Dae Rah, 42, is believed to have shot his wife and four children sometime over the weekend in their home, 3761 S. Oxford Way, before killing himself.

“Like all of you, we were shocked to learn of the tragic and untimely deaths of four of our family members at the hands of their husband and father. We condemn all forms of abuse and violence, especially abuse and violence against innocent women and children,” Meh’s sister, Neh Meh K’Chawtee, and members of Meh’s extended family said in a prepared statement Thursday.

A GoFundMe* campaign was organized by Michele Schmidt of West Valley City, who posted the statement on behalf of the family.

“Donated funds will be used to assist Sha Reh with his complex road to recovery. He will need access to resources to help offset funeral, medical and future costs, including funds to help him obtain his goal of going to college,” the fundraiser states.

“Our family is cooperating with local law enforcement to better understand the motive behind these senseless acts of violence. While the perpetrator of these heinous acts is deceased, we know that God’s justice is not.

“Our hearts ache for the loss of life and potential. Bu Meh was a beautiful wife and mother. She brought light to her family. She worked hard to provide for them and to meet their needs. As a refugee and immigrant woman, she faced significant hurdles to her family’s well-being and success,” the family said. “After moving into their own home and finally enjoying a level of prosperity far beyond the nightmare of their former country or the refugee camp in Thailand, in which they lived for a season, and for reasons that we cannot comprehend, her husband robbed her and their children of that security and their very lives.”

The family, however, says they do not want to dwell on the circumstances of their loved ones’ deaths.

“As a family, we have felt unspeakable peace. We have more questions than answers, but our faith and our trust in a living God and in his Son Jesus Christ sustains us. At this time of the year, we commemorate the birth of our Savior Jesus Christ, his life, his teachings, and his doctrine are the ‘good news’ that we all celebrate. We believe with all our hearts that our loved ones have returned home to the God who gave them life. We know they are in a state of peace, and that they are resting from all their troubles, cares, and sorrows,” the GoFundMe page states.

The family says a celebration of life for their loved ones will be announced soon. Relatives also encouraged anyone in distress or who is experiencing abuse at the hands of a family member or caregiver to call the Utah Domestic Violence line at 1-800-897-LINK (5465).

And, if anyone has thoughts of self-harm, they encourage them to call or text the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988.

“There is healing. There is peace. Violence is never the answer and never a solution,” the family said.

*KSL.com does not assure that the money deposited to the account will be applied for the benefit of the persons named as beneficiaries. If you are considering a deposit to the account, you should consult your own advisers and otherwise proceed at your own risk.