Police arrest prime suspect in Logan girl’s disappearance

Booking photo for Alex Whipple (Courtesy: Cache County Jail).

LOGAN — Police have arrested 21-year-old Alexander “Alex” Whipple as they continue to search for his 5-year-old niece, Elizabeth Shelley, who was last seen early Saturday morning.
Whipple was booked late Saturday night into the Cache County Jail on a bench warrant, issued out of Salt Lake County, for violating his probation in a felony theft case. He is being held on $25,000 bond.

Elizabeth Shelley, missing 5-year-old Logan girl, last seen May 25, 2019.

Police suspect Shelley was last seen with Whipple early Saturday morning, around 2 a.m. He was allegedly visiting the family overnight and discovered missing around 10 a.m. at the same time Shelley could not be found. He also didn’t have a vehicle or cell phone, and family members could not make contact with him.

Multiple agencies including the Cache County Sheriff’s Office and Federal Bureau of Investigation went door to door, searching homes and yards in the neighborhood around 100 South 400 West. They were assisted by several K-9 units and Cache County Search and Rescue teams.

Around 3:00 p.m. officers found Whipple, however Shelley was not with him. He reportedly had some of the girl’s clothing in his possession and was taken into custody for questioning.

Logan City Police Captain Curtis Hooley said Whipple is talking to investigators. He has not given specific information though, regarding where Shelley may be.

Officers are considering the situation “highly suspicious.” They are transitioning their search from a rescue to a recovery effort.

Officers are asking any residents in the area between 300 South to 100 North and 300 West to 600 West that have video surveillance, including smart doorbells, to please check their videos and cameras, specifically between the hours of 2 a.m. and noon on Saturday. If those cameras captured any suspicious activity, please contact police.

Salt Lake County court records show Whipple had a warrant issued for his arrest last month, for violating his probation. In January 2018, he was convicted of felony theft, failing to stop at the command of law enforcement and driving under the influence.


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2 Comments

  • April Whipple May 27, 2019 at 5:04 am Reply

    FOCUS YOUR ENERGIES ON LIZZY!!

    As there has been no communication from Alex, I am asking that people put their focus and energies on the possibility that Lizzy is out here alive. There has been only opinion and speculation by… EVERYONE..based on media coverage.

    In the mean time, if she is out there alive, the media is saying “main suspect” rather than giving options of how viewers can help. This weekend has been a busy one for everyone with the holidays. The missing posters of Lizzy can be printed and hung by anyone wanting to help. She could very easily still be alive. Please focus your energies on finding her and keeping your eyes and ears open to FINDING LIZZY, and NOT shaking your fingers.

    Again… The missing posters of LIZZY can be printed and hung if anyone wants to help. Not everyone has TV and not everyone has facebook or spends time online. We need all eyes and ears open.

    Thanks.

  • Mary Seager May 27, 2019 at 11:13 am Reply

    Good for you for not giving up hope. I had a child abducted over night some years ago, and I can feel for what you’re going through. I had a special friend at that time that I reached out to. He told me that he would pray for my daughter and that I should be thinking of what I would say to her when she came home to me. I am praying for your daughter. You be thinking of what you’ll say to her when she comes home to you. Also, don’t be afraid to follow through on any leads that come to you personally. If I had been willing to go to the house which came into my mind, I would have found a family who may have given me a lead, and my daughter may have been home that much sooner. Good luck to you!

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