More than five decades have passed since a deadly shooting shocked a Salt Lake County community. In September 1971, a gunman entered Natter’s Market, shot clerk Carolyn Kingston, and fatally wounded delivery driver Michael Bown. Now, investigators with the Salt Lake County Sheriff’s Office are asking the public for help in solving the 54-year-old cold case.
A Renewed Appeal for Justice
During a press conference held on November 7, 2025, Detective Ben Pender urged anyone with information about the 1971 robbery and killings to come forward. Pender said that despite the passage of time, investigators remain committed to finding the person responsible.
“I am pleading with you to come forward,” Pender said. “These types of cases weigh heavily on those involved — including the person responsible. We will find the truth.”
Authorities believe someone in the community may have information that could lead to long-awaited closure for the victims’ families.
What Happened at Natter’s Market
The shooting occurred on September 2, 1971, at Natter’s Market, located near 3065 S. 700 East in what is now Millcreek, Utah. Kingston, 31 at the time, was covering a cashier’s shift when an armed man entered the store with a .22-caliber handgun.
Detectives believe the man intended to rob the store but was interrupted by 23-year-old bread delivery driver Michael Bown. The suspect shot Bown, killing him instantly, then turned the gun on Kingston and dragged her to the back of the store before shooting her.
Kingston survived for nearly two years before dying of her injuries at age 33. Her young sons, ages 2 and 4, were nearby during the shooting. One witness later told investigators he found Kingston’s 4-year-old child “holding his mother’s head and sobbing.”
The Killer’s Description
Witness William Bryant, a delivery worker from another bakery, entered the store moments after the shooting. He encountered the gunman, who pointed a weapon at him and ordered him to the floor. When the gun misfired, the shooter fled — but not before Bryant saw him clearly enough to give police a description.
According to reports, the suspect was described as a tan, slender man about 5-foot-7 with black, curly hair. He was last seen leaving in a dark blue or black 1959 Chevrolet Malibu. Investigators also recovered a Timex wristwatch from the scene, believed to have been ripped off during a struggle with Kingston.
Detectives have since released a composite sketch and images of the suspect’s car and watch, hoping someone recognizes them.
Families Still Waiting for Answers
At the press conference, Ron Bown, Michael’s brother, shared an emotional recollection of the day his older brother was killed. He said he remembered waking up early that morning and watching Michael shave before work — unaware it would be their last moment together.
“I didn’t want to believe it,” Ron said. “I just kept asking, ‘Why him? Why Mike?’”
Kingston’s family also shared a letter, read aloud by Sheriff Rosie Rivera, describing the mother’s long battle to recover before she passed away. The letter said Kingston “never did recover from the shooting,” adding that her sons have lived their entire lives waiting for justice.
The sheriff’s office emphasized that it remains determined to bring closure to the families and hold the suspect accountable.
A Call to the Public
Authorities continue to appeal for anyone with information about the 1971 murders to contact the Salt Lake County Sheriff’s Office. Even a small detail, they say, could finally break the case open.
To learn more about how cold cases are handled nationwide, visit the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Cold Case Program for insights into how evidence and witness information can help solve decades-old crimes.
