The daughter of a slain Price couple had obtained a 120-day protective order in March against her husband, suspected of shooting Janet and Dominic Oli-veto Sunday, then turning the gun on himself.
The couple's daughter, 41-year-old Joni Westbrook, found them dead Sunday morning in a Price office building under renovation. Westbrook had obtained the protective order March 13 in 7th District Court and four days later filed for divorce.Before the divorce became final, Charles Westbrook apparently shot his in-laws, then himself Sunday, according to police. Carbon County deputy sheriffs found Westbrook's body near his car, parked on a hill overlooking town.
A .357-caliber weapon was used in all three shootings, Price Police Chief Aleck Shilaos said.
Police had issued an attempt-to-locate bulletin for Westbrook after investigating the shootings and learning of the turmoil that surrounded the Westbrooks' separation, Shilaos said.
Janet Oliveto, 64, had served on the Price City Council for six years at the time of her death. She was active in local church and civic functions and served as a past publicist for the Utah Girl Scout Council. She was also past president of the Utah Press Women organization.
Her 71-year-old husband, Dominic, operated the longstanding family business Oliveto Furniture Co. with his sisters. Well-known as a hard-working man, Dominic cut an equally familiar figure in the community. The couple left behind four children.
Like most residents of the rural, eastern Utah town, Suzy Patterson and Ricki Edwards, clerks at Office Equipment Co. located on Main Street a few doors down from the furniture store, described feeling shock and pain at their friends' loss.
"I saw Dominic often going about town," Edwards said. "He delivered furniture for (the store) and was involved in other activities. He was always busy . . . and such a part of the community."
Father Dennis Keisch, pastor of the Notre Dame parish, anticipated meeting with the Oliveto children soon and reflected on their parents' unexpected passing.
"They were both special people and extremely dedicated to the church and the community at large," he said. Janet Oliveto had served several years as director of development for Notre Dame School, retiring from that position about a year ago.
One Notre Dame parishioner, Jack Kobe, is also a retired teacher and administrator from Carbon High School, where he first met Charles Westbrook years ago.
"I was very surprised," he said of the man's suicide and suspected role in the Oliveto slayings. "I did not know that he and Joni had separated."
Of the prominent Oliveto couple, Kobe's words echoed those of his neighbors.
"They were outstanding citizens and real assets to the community," he said.
Funeral services for Janet and Dominic Oliveto begin Thursday with a vigil at 7 p.m. at the Notre Dame School, 210 N. 600 East in Price. Mass follows on Friday at 10 a.m., also at the school.