Authorities in Washington City, Utah, are searching for two teenagers considered persons of interest in the killing of a California woman whose body was discovered inside a vacation rental over the weekend. Law enforcement has not yet located the pair but emphasized that they are not currently classified as suspects.
During a press briefing on Wednesday, officials identified the two juveniles as Mihaela Gabriela Sorescu, 16, who also goes by “Bella,” and Abigael Paige Flanagan, 17, known as “Jay.” Investigators believe they were present at the residence before the woman’s death and were the last known individuals to see her alive.
Authorities are working to piece together events that took place between 10 p.m. Saturday and midnight Sunday, a critical two-hour window when they suspect something went wrong. While no signs of forced entry were found at the home, police have ruled out the presence of any additional individuals at the scene.
A weapon believed to be used in the homicide was recovered, and investigators confirmed that the victim, a 47-year-old woman from California, sustained over a dozen stab wounds.
The teenagers, who were seen in Bellflower, California, after the incident, are believed to still be in the state. The victim’s rental car, which they were last seen in, was abandoned in Bellflower on Sunday morning and is now in police custody for forensic analysis. Authorities noted that both teens have connections in the Sacramento area, though their current whereabouts remain unknown.
Investigators also expressed concern for the well-being of the teenagers, as they reportedly require medication, but it is unclear if they have access to it. Law enforcement stressed the importance of locating them to ensure their safety and to gain a clearer understanding of what transpired at the Utah rental.
While officials do not believe there is an ongoing threat to the public, they urged residents to remain vigilant.
Anyone with information is encouraged to contact dispatch at 435-634-5730 (reference case number 25Z002501) or email Sgt. Carter at JCarter@washingtoncity.org or Detective Lloyd at TLloyd@washingtoncity.org.
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