On November 16, 2009, Kay Mortensen, a retired professor from Brigham Young University, was found murdered in his home in Payson Canyon, Utah.
This case, filled with dramatic twists and legal battles, remains one of the most intriguing murder investigations in Utah’s history.
Mortensen was a well-respected professor of mechanical engineering at Brigham Young University (BYU). His career at BYU was marked by his passion for teaching and his commitment to his students.
He was known for his engineering expertise and ability to inspire and mentor young engineers. His influence extended beyond the classroom, as he was involved in various academic and professional engineering-related communities.
Kay Mortensen had a keen interest in firearms. He was an avid collector, and his extensive collection included various types of guns, which he kept in a secured vault at his home.
This hobby was well-known among his friends and family and was a significant part of his life.
Kay Mortensen’s Death
Events of November 16, 2009
- Afternoon to Early Evening: Kay Mortensen spent the day at his home in Payson Canyon. His wife, Darla Mortensen, was away, visiting their daughter, who was about to give birth in Salt Lake County.
- Around 7 PM: Roger Mortensen and his wife, Pamela Mortensen, arrived at Kay Mortensen’s home. According to their account, they were planning a family gathering that evening to play board games.
- Shortly After Arrival: Roger and Pamela were reportedly taken hostage by two intruders described as clean-cut white males. The intruders tied them up and forced them to remain downstairs. While the couple was held at gunpoint, the assailants went upstairs, where they confronted Kay Mortensen.
- Murder of Kay Mortensen: During the home invasion, Kay Mortensen was murdered. His throat was slit, leading to his death. The exact time of the murder is not precisely documented, but it occurred during the period Roger and Pamela were held captive.
- Escape and 911 Call: After the intruders left, Roger and Pamela managed to free themselves. Pamela called 911 to report the incident. Roger went upstairs and discovered his father’s body.
Initial Investigation and Arrests
- Immediate Response: Law enforcement responded to the 911 call and began investigating the scene. Due to inconsistencies in their stories and the circumstances of their discovery, the initial focus was on the family members present at the scene, Roger and Pamela Mortensen.
- Charges Against Roger and Pamela Mortensen: In August 2010, Roger and Pamela were arrested and charged with the murder of Kay Mortensen. The police cited inconsistencies in their statements and physical evidence found at their home, including firearms and drug paraphernalia.
Breakthrough in the Case
- Exoneration of Roger and Pamela: On December 7, 2010, the charges against Roger and Pamela Mortensen were dismissed following the emergence of new evidence. This pivotal evidence was provided by Martin Bond’s ex-wife, who revealed critical information that led to the identification and subsequent arrest of the true perpetrators. Martin Bond and Benjamin Rettig were apprehended and charged, ultimately bringing a measure of justice and closure to the Mortensen family and the community after a period of turmoil and wrongful accusations.
Why Was Kay Mortensen Murdered?
Kay Mortensen was murdered during a home invasion by Martin Bond and Benjamin Rettig, who intended to steal firearms from Kay’s extensive collection.
Martin Bond
Martin Bond was a 25-year-old man at the time of Kay Mortensen’s murder. He had a criminal background and was known to be involved in various illegal activities. Bond’s connection to the Mortensen family comes through his father, Kay Mortensen’s friend. This relationship made Bond familiar with Mortensen’s home and his routines.
On the night of the murder, Bond, along with his accomplice Benjamin Rettig, entered Kay Mortensen’s home to steal firearms. During the home invasion, Bond played a significant role in the events that led to Mortensen’s death and the kidnapping of Roger and Pamela Mortensen. Bond was later arrested and found guilty of aggravated murder, aggravated kidnapping, aggravated burglary, and aggravated robbery, leading to a life sentence without parole.
Benjamin Rettig
Benjamin Rettig was 23 years old at the time of the crime. Like Bond, Rettig had a troubled background with a history of criminal behavior. He was a co-conspirator in the murder of Kay Mortensen. During the home invasion, Rettig assisted Bond in subduing Roger and Pamela Mortensen and was directly involved in the violence.
After their arrest, Rettig took a plea deal in 2011, pleading guilty to charges of aggravated kidnapping and aggravated murder. This plea deal resulted in a sentence of 25 years to life, which helped him avoid the death penalty. Rettig’s testimony and cooperation were crucial in the prosecution of Martin Bond.
Mystery at Payson Canyon
The episode “Mystery at Payson Canyon” from the “Dateline NBC” series explores the murder of Kay Mortensen. The episode details the initial wrongful accusations against his son, Roger, and daughter-in-law, Pamela, and the subsequent arrest and conviction of the true perpetrators, Martin Bond and Benjamin Rettig.
The episode originally aired on June 28, 2013. It is available for streaming on Amazon Music.
Kay Mortensen’s Family
Kay Mortensen’s Son
Roger Mortensen, Kay’s son, was initially a prime suspect in the murder. He and his wife, Pamela, faced significant legal and social repercussions due to the wrongful accusations. Their reputations were damaged, and they spent several months in jail before the real perpetrators were identified.
Kay Mortensen’s Wife
Darla Mortensen, Kay’s wife, was away at the time of the murder, visiting her daughter. She returned to find her husband dead and her family torn apart by the subsequent investigation and accusations. Darla played a crucial role in supporting her family through the legal ordeal and has spoken about the emotional toll the case took on her and her loved ones.
Impact on the Community
Kay Mortensen’s murder and the subsequent legal battles had a profound impact on the Payson community, highlighting issues within the justice system and the importance of thorough investigative work. The wrongful accusations against Roger and Pamela Mortensen also sparked discussions on the treatment of suspects and the need for careful scrutiny of evidence.
Ongoing Speculation
Despite the convictions, the case continues to be a topic of discussion and analysis. The initial wrongful accusations and the dramatic turn of events have left many wondering about the full truth behind Kay Mortensen’s murder.
Conclusion
The murder of Kay Mortensen is a tragic and complex case that underscores the need for meticulous investigation and the impact of legal proceedings on individuals and families. While justice was ultimately served, the path to uncovering the truth was fraught with challenges and emotional distress for those involved.
