In early July 2026, Murray City Police detectives urged community members to come forward, saying they suspect there may be additional victims following the June 24, 2026, arrest of two sexual assault suspects. Investigators believe the suspects used various social media applications and digital platform location tracking to target and locate victims.
Suspects Used Digital Tracking
On June 24, 2026, officers arrested Yousef M. Yousef and Odai E. Ali, both 18 years old, on charges including second-degree felony sexual abuse of a child and a Class A misdemeanor for lewdness involving a child, according to reporting by Gephardt Daily. Yousef also faces a first-degree felony charge of rape of a child.
A statement from the Murray City Police Department confirmed that while these arrests have been made, an ongoing investigation has revealed evidence suggesting this may not be an isolated incident. Detectives expressed concern that other individuals may have been contacted, tracked, or victimized under similar circumstances.
Police Urge Contact
The Murray City Police Department issued a message to potential victims, acknowledging the difficulty of coming forward but emphasizing that they are not alone. The department stated that victim safety and well-being remain a priority and said any information provided would be handled with sensitivity, confidentiality, and respect.
Anyone who believes they were a victim or possesses relevant information is urged to contact Murray Police through non-emergency dispatch at 801-840-4000 or the main department line at 801-264-2673. Inquiries can also be sent via email to policeadmin@murray.utah.gov, referencing case MR26-18173.
Resources for Support
Police noted the suspects used social media to locate targets, underscoring the risks associated with digital platforms. Apps such as Snapchat offer safety features—including in-app reporting tools and privacy settings that control who can view a user's stories or location—but the use of digital footprints for tracking remains a concern for law enforcement.
For those seeking assistance following sexual assault, free and confidential support is available 24/7 through the Utah Coalition Against Sexual Assault at 801-736-4356 or via www.ucasa.org.
