Police are looking into the death of a Utah nurse and mother of three, whose husband reportedly told them he went out to buy beer after finding her body at the bottom of a stairwell in their West Jordan home.
Police found Autumn Mercado, 39, dead on January 13, according to FOX 13 Now. Her death came to light after a coworker contacted authorities when she didn’t show up to work. According to West Jordan Police Sgt. Andrew Hercules, police subsequently performed a welfare check.
Upon arrival, officers spoke with Mercado’s husband, Carlos Mercado, who reportedly said he was about to call the police.
“The death appeared suspicious to responding officers,” Hercules said during a news conference.
Carlos Mercado told police he found his wife at the bottom of the stairs after waking up in the morning and thought she was asleep, according to the affidavit.
He also stated that he covered her with a blanket, left her in that position, and ordered a ride-share to take him to a gas station for more beer, leaving two of their children, ages 4 and 1, unattended, KSL-TV reports.
“Officers could smell the odor of alcohol coming from Carlos’ breath and noticed he had a hard time maintaining his balance. Multiple open containers of alcohol were observed throughout the front room and kitchen area,” the affidavit stated.
Currently, Carlos Mercado is not facing any charges related to his wife’s death.
Autumn Mercado worked as a registered nurse and had ambitions to become a nurse practitioner, a role her family said would have matched her caring nature.
“I remember when she was a kid she wanted to go feed the homeless or help people who didn’t have a place to live. She was always trying to help individuals,” Autumn’s sister, Summer Christiansen, said.
Meanwhile, a GoFundMe fundraiser has been set up to help the family with expenses.
The investigation continues. Check back for updates.
[Feature Photo: Autumn Mercado/GoFundMe]
