Sarah Elias, 34, allegedly opened fire on her ex-husband "point blank" at an indoor playground in Salt Lake City after he showed up unannounced to see their children amid a bitter custody dispute, police said.
Background
Court documents obtained by the Salt Lake Tribune and KSL-TV reveal that Elias and her ex-husband married in 2020. The father filed temporary separation documents in 2024, and their divorce was finalized in March 2026, citing "irreconcilable differences." While Elias received primary custody of their daughters, she allegedly refused to allow regular visitation despite having a joint-custody agreement.
"He had been trying for the last two months to pick up his daughters for parent-time, however, Elias has not been allowing it," court documents allege.
Employees at Kids Empire told police that Elias and her children regularly frequented the indoor playground. On May 22, they were present when the shooting occurred. Workers said Elias could be overheard talking on the phone—presumably with her ex—telling him, "You can just take me to court."
The Investigation
According to investigators, Elias appeared "eerily calm" upon arriving at the playground but began "pacing back and forth and looking out the windows" as she waited. When her ex-husband arrived, witnesses say she proclaimed it was "showtime" before smiling and walking outside to meet him.
The victim told police that Elias allegedly began "kicking" and "throwing elbows" at him before producing a handgun and threatening him with it. He then walked into Kids Empire, and Elias followed him inside, authorities said. She opened fire on him "point blank," striking him twice, according to court documents and employee accounts.
A worker immediately took the children outside while Elias allegedly came out to retrieve them. Employees described her demeanor afterward as "calm as a cucumber."
"After the gunshots, Elias stood still for a second; she didn't look fazed or shocked," the court documents state. "She didn't look like she cared."
Elias then told the children that "nothing happened" and that "daddy has issues," according to the worker who had taken them outside. Officers arrived and arrested her at the scene.
The Charges
Elias is charged with attempted murder and domestic violence involving an injury or weapon in the presence of a child. Police confirmed she purchased the gun used in the shooting one week prior to the incident. She is currently being held in Salt Lake County Jail without bond.
The ex-husband survived the shooting, though his current condition has not been disclosed in available court records.
Key Takeaways
- Sarah Elias, 34, allegedly shot her ex-husband twice at Kids Empire indoor playground in Salt Lake City on May 22
- She reportedly told employees it was "showtime" before the shooting and appeared calm afterward
- The couple's divorce was finalized in March 2026; Elias had allegedly denied visitation for two months despite joint custody agreement
- Police say she purchased the firearm one week earlier
What's Next
Elias remains in Salt Lake County Jail without bond as her case proceeds. No court dates have been set as of publication, and prosecutors have not indicated whether they will seek additional charges. The children were unharmed during the incident.
The custody arrangement and any modifications to it are expected to be addressed through family court proceedings separate from the criminal case.