Son and daughter-in-law of slain former BYU professor arrested Thursday

PAYSON — Police have arrested the son and daughter-in-law of slain former BYU professor Kay Mortensen in connection with his death.

Roger Kay Mortensen, 48, was booked into the Utah County Jail late Thursday for investigation of murder, obstruction of justice, possession of marijuana, possession of drug paraphernalia and possession of a firearm by a restricted person. His wife, Pamela Mortensen, 34, was booked for investigation of murder and obstruction of justice.

The retired BYU professor was found with his throat slashed in his Payson home on Nov. 17, and his son and daughter-in-law told police at the time that two men broke in, tied them up and killed Mortensen. Roger Mortensen told police he managed to untie himself and went upstairs to check on his father.

Investigators later listed the duo as persons of interest in the case.

Utah County Sheriff's Sgt. Spencer Cannon confirmed the arrests but said police are not yet releasing specifics. He said detectives were working on the case and planned to release more details Friday.

— Lana Groves