On April 16, 2004, Michael Vernon Peacock, 52, was found dead on the kitchen floor of his Holladay, Utah condominium from a single gunshot wound to the chest. A revolver was located near his body. Earlier that evening Michael and his wife, Becky Peacock, had shared dinner with houseguest and family friend Julie Hardy. Hardy went to the basement sauna after the meal and, when she returned, found Michael deceased and Becky missing; Becky’s car was also gone. Hardy told investigators she had heard the couple arguing earlier but did not hear a gunshot.

Becky Peacock became the primary suspect. About 12 hours after the discovery she surrendered in Farmington, New Mexico and was charged with first-degree felony murder; she was extradited to Utah. Neighbors later said Becky was known to have a temper and police had been called to the home on prior occasions. In October 2004 Becky pleaded guilty to reduced second-degree felony manslaughter; her defense cited extreme emotional distress and she faced a potential one to 15 year prison term.