MILLCREEK, Utah – Fred Jason Edwards, 46, has been charged with murder following the discovery of Esperanza Chavez’s body in Millcreek. Unified Police Department officials reported finding Chavez, 25, deceased near a dumpster at 3994 South 300 West early Saturday morning.

Authorities received a call at 6:20 a.m. about the body. On arrival, they confirmed Chavez’s death at the scene. The investigation quickly unfolded with detectives gathering surveillance footage from nearby businesses. Footage timestamped at 12:28 a.m. showed a black truck, later identified as belonging to Edwards, arriving at the location. A male figure, believed to be Edwards, was seen attempting to dispose of Chavez’s body in the dumpster before leaving her beside it and fleeing the scene.

Further investigation led police to Edwards, who was located at the University of Utah hospital, where he was seeking a psychiatric evaluation. Police took Edwards into custody, and he is set to be booked into the Salt Lake County Jail on murder charges.

Officials highlighted the incident as the tragic end to what they described as a history of domestic violence between Edwards and Chavez.

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Chris Quigley is a Staff Writer and Community News Correspondent for Shore News Network, where she covers local government, public safety, community affairs, politics, and issues impacting residents throughout New Jersey. Her reporting focuses on delivering timely, accurate, and relevant news that helps readers stay informed about the communities in which they live and work.

As a member of the Shore News Network editorial team, Quigley works closely with public officials, community leaders, first responders, and local organizations to provide factual coverage of breaking news, municipal government, public policy, and events affecting New Jersey residents. Her work highlights both major developments and the local stories that shape communities across the state.

Quigley is committed to responsible journalism, emphasizing accuracy, source verification, and transparency in every story she reports. She strives to present information in a clear and accessible manner, helping readers better understand the issues, decisions, and events that impact their daily lives.

Through her work at Shore News Network, Chris Quigley contributes to the organization's mission of providing trusted local news coverage, accountability reporting, and community-focused journalism throughout New Jersey.

Chris Quigley is a graduate of Stockton State University and began her career at IN Jersey, the online news and media branch of the Asbury Park Press. She also worked at Monmouth Internet, the Ocean Signal Newspaper, and JTOWN Magazine during her career in both content management and operations.

Degrees: Business B.A. - Stockton University

Experience and interests: Criminal Justice, Business, Animal Care, Entertainment, Lottery News, Local News