TREMONTON, Utah — Chief of Police Dustin Cordova said Tuesday that an investigation into the death of a father and his daughter from Dec. 16 revealed the father’s intentional murder of his child and subsequent suicide.

“This is a devastating loss,” Cordova wrote in a press release. “As a police chief, and as a parent, there are no words that truly capture the pain of losing a child.

“My heart is with the family and loved ones who are now facing unimaginable grief. I ask our community to hold them in compassion and to respect their privacy during this painful time.”

Cordova continued to say the department would not be releasing identities of either individual, in the interest of protecting the families’ privacy.

“This year has been an especially heavy one for our community and for our department,” Cordova said. “I am proud of the professionalism, care, and humanity shown by our officers. These calls are difficult, and they leave a lasting impact. Support resources have been available to those involved.”

Cordova concluded by urging those who are struggling to contact the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline by calling or texting 988, urging resident to check in on each other and by stating no further information will be released.