West Valley City Police asking for public help finding evidence of homicide case in Kamas area

Maren Carlson was last seen wearing light pink pajamas with a floral design on them. Photo: West Valley City Police

KAMAS, Utah — West Valley City Police Department is urging any individuals heading into the mountains in the Kamas area to assist them in finding any evidence in a homicide case.

99-year-old Maren Carlson went missing in November 2021 after it was reported that she was murdered by her grandson Garman Shaun Cunningham. Cunningham’s wife called the police on November 12, 2021, after telling them she was held captive by her husband in their home for several days, had escaped, and that Cunningham had killed his grandmother. Carlson was living in the same home and could not be located.

More information gathered by investigators suggests that Cunningham might have disposed of Carlson’s body in the Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest near SR 150 (the Mirror Lake Highway) or SR 35. After extensive search operations, Carlson’s body still has not been found.

Carlson’s description is 4’11”, 85 pounds with white hair, and was last seen wearing light pink pajamas with a floral design and maybe a robe. There could possibly be a black garbage bag in the area, potentially providing more evidence.

Police ask individuals if anyone in this area finds any evidence that could pertain to the case to please log the coordinates and contact West Valley City Police at 801-840-4000.

Cunningham was charged with two first-degree felonies of aggravated murder and kidnapping, among other felonies. He died by suicide in March 2022 while in custody.