The death of Autumn Mercado, a 39-year-old Utah nurse and mother of three, is under investigation after her husband, Carlos Mercado, allegedly found her body at the bottom of their home’s stairwell but delayed reporting it to authorities. On January 13th, police conducted a welfare check at the Mercado residence in West Jordan, a Salt Lake City suburb, after a concerned coworker reported Autumn’s absence from work. Carlos Mercado, 47, answered the door and claimed he was about to contact the police himself. However, his account of the events raised immediate suspicions among the responding officers.
According to an affidavit, Carlos Mercado stated that he awoke to find his wife at the bottom of the stairs, believing she was asleep. Rather than immediately calling for help, he allegedly covered her with a blanket and left her there. He then proceeded to order a ride-sharing service to a gas station to purchase more beer, leaving their three children unattended at home. Upon arrival, police noted the strong odor of alcohol on Carlos Mercado’s breath, observed his difficulty maintaining balance, and found multiple open alcohol containers throughout the house. These details further heightened suspicion surrounding the circumstances of Autumn’s death.
Carlos Mercado was subsequently arrested and booked into the Salt Lake County Jail on charges of failure to report a death and two counts of child abandonment. While he has since been released from custody, the investigation into Autumn’s death remains active, with authorities collaborating with the Utah Medical Examiner’s Office and the Salt Lake County District Attorney’s Office to determine the cause and manner of her death. Whether or not charges related to Autumn’s death will be filed against Carlos Mercado remains to be seen.
Autumn Mercado was a dedicated nurse at the Huntsman Cancer Institute, where she was known for her compassion, intelligence, and commitment to patient care. She was actively pursuing her goal of becoming a nurse practitioner. Beyond her professional achievements, Autumn considered her three children to be her greatest accomplishment. Her untimely death leaves a void in the lives of her family, friends, colleagues, and the patients she served.
The investigation into Autumn Mercado’s death will likely focus on several key areas. The medical examiner’s report will be crucial in determining the cause and time of death. Authorities will also scrutinize Carlos Mercado’s actions, including the delay in reporting his wife’s death, his decision to leave the children unattended, and his apparent intoxication. Any evidence of prior domestic disputes or other relevant circumstances within the Mercado household will also be examined.
As the investigation unfolds, the community mourns the loss of a dedicated healthcare professional and devoted mother. The circumstances surrounding Autumn Mercado’s death serve as a tragic reminder of the importance of thorough investigation and the pursuit of justice for victims of suspicious circumstances. The outcome of this investigation will hopefully provide answers and closure to those affected by this devastating loss.
