A Saratoga Springs man faces murder charges following the death of his wife, Jeusselem Genes, who was killed on March 2, 2026, leaving two children without parents. The charges follow a period of investigation into the circumstances surrounding the death of the Venezuelan native, whose family has since launched a fundraiser to support her surviving children.
Family Mourns Tragic Loss
The death of Jeusselem Genes has left a profound void for her two children, 20-year-old Ariany and 11-year-old Aaron. According to a fundraiser organized by Jaquelin Herd, the family described Genes as a devoted mother whose life was centered on her children. Genes had moved from Venezuela to the United States ten years ago with the goal of building a better future for her children.
Community Support Efforts
In the wake of the tragedy, the family reported that both parents are now out of the picture, leaving the children's grandparents to provide stability, safety, and love. A GoFundMe campaign, organized by Jaquelin Herd in Saratoga Springs, Utah, sought to raise $75,000 to assist with the emotional and financial weight of the sudden loss. As of the campaign's most recent updates, $18,771 has been raised through 164 donations.
Financial Needs of Survivors
The funds raised for the children are intended to cover several critical needs, including funeral and memorial expenses, trauma-informed counseling for both Ariany and Aaron, and immediate household and living needs. The organizers also indicated that donations would help support Aaron's ongoing education and assist Ariany in continuing her own studies. Additionally, the funds are intended to cover legal costs required to seek justice for the family.
Legal Prosecution and Oversight
The legal proceedings regarding the murder charge fall under the jurisdiction of the Utah County Attorney's Office. Led by County Attorney Jeffrey S. Gray, who has served in the role since January 2023, the office includes a Criminal Division responsible for the prosecution or adjudication of crimes occurring within Utah County. This division consists of a Division Chief and ten trial teams.
County Attorney Structure
The Utah County Attorney's Office is organized into three primary divisions: Criminal, Civil, and the Bureau of Investigations. While the Criminal Division handles prosecutions, the Civil Division acts as the legal advisor to Utah County, providing counsel to the County Commission and various departments. The Bureau of Investigations focuses on financial crimes, political corruption, and white-collar crimes.
Survivor Support Services
As the legal case progresses, community resources like YWCA Utah provide support services for those affected by domestic violence and crisis situations. The organization offers a 24-hour crisis line and various services including child advocacy, case management, and safety planning. Their services are available to women, men, and children regardless of sexual orientation.
Domestic Violence Indicators
YWCA Utah identifies several red flags in unhealthy relationships, such as partners who are quick to anger, exhibit sudden emotional swings, or show extreme jealousy through constant calls or unexpected visits. They also note that unhealthy behaviors include name-calling, insults, and a failure to be accountable for one's own actions. Conversely, healthy relationships are characterized by equality, respect, and the ability to discuss disagreements peacefully.
