Saratoga Springs woman charged with murder for role in alleged suicide pact with friend

SARATOGA SPRINGS — A Saratoga Springs woman accused of fatally shooting her friend as part of a suicide pact, but then did not take her own life, has been charged with murder.

Heavenly Faith Garfield, 21, was charged Monday in Utah's 4th District Court with murder, a first-degree felony.

On April 30, police were called to a Saratoga Springs home where a man reported that his daughter, Garfield, had shot and killed her 21-year-old friend, Brooklyn Michelle Barrett.

"The caller stated that Garfield shot the deceased according to a suicide pact between her and the deceased in which one party would fatally shoot the other and then herself. Upon arrival, officers located a deceased 21-year-old female on a bed in an upstairs bedroom. The deceased had an obvious gunshot wound to the head. The body was covered with a blanket and there were flowers laid on the bed," according to charging documents.

A note was also recovered by police signed by both women "in which both parties discussed their intention to die by suicide," the charges state.

A friend of Barrett's later contacted police requesting a welfare check.

"The friend also advised that he was aware of a suicide pact between the deceased and Heavenly Faith Garfield, and specifically, that the pact was that one party would fatally shoot the other and then herself," according to charging documents.

Garfield's sister later gave police a bullet that Garfield had allegedly given her "and told her that it was the bullet she intended to use to shoot herself," the charges state.

A GoFundMe has been started to help Barrett's family with funeral expenses.

"Her unexpected departure has left her loved ones grappling with ... immense pain and burden, preferring instead to focus instead on honoring her memory and celebrating the beautiful life she lived," the fundraiser states. "In times of grief and loss, it's crucial to prioritize mental health and well-being. If you or someone you know is struggling with mental illness, please don't hesitate to seek help. Reach out to a trusted friend, family member or mental health professional for support and guidance."

Barrett's funeral is scheduled for Friday in South Jordan.

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