Highland man threatened to kill his wife and himself with rifle over financial dispute, charges say

HIGHLAND, Utah (ABC4) — A Highland man has been charged with threatening to kill his wife and himself after an argument over finances.

The 67-year-old man, who ABC4 is keeping anonymous to protect the victims, is charged with aggravated abuse of a vulnerable adult, aggravated assault, possession of a dangerous weapon with criminal intent, threat of violence, and interruption of a communication device. All charges had a domestic violence enhancement.

According to charging documents, on June 8, 2025, the man and his 66-year-old wife had an argument about finances at their home in Highland. His wife went into their office to use the computer and check information.

After she entered the office, the 67-year-old allegedly came in and shut the door behind him. He brandished a rifle with a “high-powered scope and a suppressor” at the woman and told her he “had no choice but to kill her and himself.”

The wife called 911, but the 67-year-old grabbed her phone and threw it. Documents say that another family member inside the home heard the woman screaming for help and pleading for her life. The family member called 911.

Officers with the Lone Peak Police Department arrived and were able to get everyone out of the house without incident. Police located a loaded Glock 27 with a bullet in the chamber as well as the rifle that was allegedly used to threaten the woman.

The 67-year-old man was booked into the Utah County Jail and is currently being held without bail.