A woman from Utah has admitted guilt to a lesser charge of manslaughter after being accused of killing her friend in a failed suicide pact earlier this year. Authorities confirmed that Heavenly Faith Garfield pleaded guilty to manslaughter, a second-degree felony, on Tuesday, September 24. Her sentencing is scheduled for November 6, and she could face up to 15 years in prison, according to a statement from Timothy L. Taylor, Deputy Utah County Attorney.
Garfield was originally arrested in April and charged with murder and the illegal discharge of a firearm following the shooting death of her 21-year-old friend, Brooklyn Michelle Barrett. The tragic incident took place in a Saratoga Springs, Utah, home on April 30.
According to police, Garfield’s father made the initial 911 call to report the shooting. When officers arrived, they found Barrett with a gunshot wound to her head. Her body was covered with a blanket, and flowers had been placed nearby, as reported by Court TV.
Authorities later determined that Garfield and Barrett had agreed to a suicide pact. Garfield admitted to shooting Barrett but did not follow through with the pact herself. The two friends had reportedly been discussing their suicide pact for several weeks, and police were shown text messages from Barrett indicating that she wanted to die but was too afraid to take her own life. A mutual friend also confirmed the existence of the suicide pact to authorities.
As part of her plea, Garfield acknowledged that she knew her friend intended to end her life and that she assisted in the suicide. Barrett’s family and friends remembered her as a bright and promising young woman. A GoFundMe page was set up in her memory, describing the profound grief her loved ones are experiencing and highlighting Barrett’s vibrant personality.
Barrett was a 2021 graduate of Herriman High School and worked at a daycare before her untimely death. She enjoyed traveling and spending time outdoors, according to her obituary.
