Autumn Mercado, a 39-year-old nurse and mom of three, was found dead at the bottom of a stairwell in her home in West Jordan, Utah, on January 13. A concerned coworker had notified authorities that she had not shown up to work, prompting a welfare check.
When police officers arrived at the home, Autumn’s husband, Carlos Mercado, 47, answered the door. He claimed he was about to call the police. However, authorities found the scene suspicious, and Carlos was taken into custody.
According to the police affidavit, Carlos told them he had woken up that morning to find his wife at the bottom of the stairs, thinking she was asleep. He then ordered a ride-share service to take him to a gas station to buy beer, leaving their children unsupervised. Police noticed an odor of alcohol on his breath and that he had difficulty maintaining his balance, with multiple open containers of alcohol found in the front room and kitchen area.
Autumn’s death is under investigation, along with the Utah Medical Examiner’s Office and the Salt Lake County District Attorney’s Office. Carlos Mercado was charged with failure to report a death and two counts of child abandonment. However, he is no longer in custody and has not been charged in connection with his wife’s death.
Autumn was a competitive gymnast who found her true calling in nursing. She worked at the Huntsman Cancer Institute, where she was known for her compassionate care, sharp intellect, and unwavering dedication. Her loved ones remembered her as a devoted mother to her three children, the center of her universe.
