Utah husband went for beer after finding wife, nurse, dead at home: police

Authorities are investigating the recent death of a Utah nurse and mother of three after her husband allegedly told police he went out to buy beer after discovering her body at the bottom of a stairwell in their home.

Autumn Mercado, 39, was found dead at the bottom of the stairs of her home in West Jordan, Utah, a suburb of Salt Lake City, on January 13 after a concerned co-worker notified police that she had not shown up for work. prompting police to take action. To conduct a welfare check, West Jordan police Sgt. Andrew Hercules said in a press conference reported by KSL News.

When police arrived at the home, Mercado's husband, Carlos Mercado, opened the door and said he was about to call police, an affidavit said, according to local media in Utah.

“The death appeared suspicious to the responding officers,” Hercules told a news conference.

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Autumn Mercado was found dead at the bottom of a stairwell in his home. (go support me)

Carlos Mercado told police he woke up in the morning to find his wife at the bottom of the stairs and believed she had fallen asleep, the outlet reported.

Mercado also told police that he covered his wife with a blanket and left her at the bottom of the stairs before calling a ride-sharing service to take him to a gas station to buy more beer, leaving their children unsupervised.

“Officers could smell the odor of alcohol on Carlos' breath and noticed he was having difficulty maintaining his balance. Multiple open containers of alcohol were found in the front room and kitchen area,” the affidavit continued.

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Police say Autumn Mercado's death is suspicious. (obituary)

Carlos Mercado, 47, was arrested and booked into the Salt Lake County Jail on charges of failure to report a death and two counts of child abandonment, Hercules said.

He is no longer in custody and has not been charged in connection with his wife's death, according to Salt Lake County booking records.

Authorities continue to investigate jointly with the Utah Medical Examiner's Office and the Salt Lake County District Attorney's Office.

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Autumn Mercado's husband is accused of failing to report her death. (obituary)

Autumn was a competitive gymnast who “found her true calling in nursing,” according to an online obituary.

“Her work at Huntsman Cancer Institute was more than a job, it was a mission,” the memorial continued. “Known for her compassionate care, sharp intellect and unwavering dedication, Autumn touched countless lives and brought comfort and hope to patients and colleagues.”

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At the time of her death, she was working toward becoming a nurse practitioner.

“If you asked Autumn what her greatest accomplishment was, she wouldn't mention a medal or a degree,” the obituary noted. “She would tell you that it was her three beautiful children who were the center of her universe. “

It's unclear whether Carlos Mercado has retained an attorney.