Police Seek Suspect in Slaying of Utah Jazz Owner's In-Law

(Dec. 2) -- Investigators in Utah are trying to determine who is responsible for the slaying of the Utah Jazz owner's mother-in-law, police said.

Sherry Black, 64, was found stabbed to death Tuesday, inside her South Salt Lake store, B&W Collector Books and Billiards Supply. Black's husband, Earl, made the discovery and called 911, police said.

According to Salt Lake's KSL News, Blacks husband is not a suspect in the homicide. Police have been unable to determine a motive.

"At this time, we don't have a suspect," South Salt Lake Police Sgt. Gary Keller told KSL.


Black opened her used bookshop about 10 years ago. She sold mostly Mormon texts and children's books. Some of the more rare books, including a hardcover edition of "The Grapes of Wrath," are listed on her Amazon.com page for more than $2,000. Black also sold billiard tables in her store, The Salt Lake Tribune reported.

Her daughter, Heidi Miller, is married to Greg Miller, the CEO of the Larry H. Miller Group, which owns the National Basketball Association team in Salt Lake City.

Black's sister, Debbie Waycasy, told KSL that she is unaware of anyone who would want to kill her sister. She speculated the homicide might have resulted from an attempted robbery.

"The only motive that I can even imagine, unless it was just totally random, would be somebody who got online and read her listings of her books and the value and was interested in the same and knew what to look for," Waycasy said. "If it was a robbery, if it was random, I have no idea.

"I have been thinking about the horrors she went through being stabbed to death," she added, "and how horrible it had to be."

Black's son-in-law released a statement to Deseret News, thanking investigators for their efforts.

"On behalf of the Black and Miller families, I would like to thank the South Salt Lake Police Department for the professionalism and integrity they have shown during their investigation of this tragic crime that has deeply affected all of us," Miller said. "In addition, the outpouring of love and support from family, friends and the community truly is making a difference for us. We appreciate your thoughts, prayers and kindness."

On Wednesday night, a moment of silence was observed during a Utah Jazz home game against the Indiana Pacers.

"It's a terrible thing to have to deal with," Jazz coach Jerry Sloan told Deseret News. "Our hearts go out to the Miller family."

According to The Associated Press, investigators remained at the scene of the crime Wednesday, collecting potential evidence. Authorities were also asking area residents to remain vigilant.

"Do not let strangers in your house," Keller told ABC 4 in Salt Lake City. "If they need to use phone or try and use a guise to gain entry, don't let them in. Say 'I'll help you; I'm going to call police right now.'"

Keller also said police would like to speak with anyone who was in the vicinity of 700 East near 3466 South between 8 a.m. and 2 p.m. Tuesday. Anyone who may have seen something is asked to contact police at 801-840-4000.

Contacted by AOL News today, an official with the police department declined to comment on the status of the investigation.