ST. GEORGE – Family members of a missing Spanish Fork woman are concerned foul play may be involved in her disappearance.

Kim Shields, 34, owner of Leader of the Pack dog grooming in Lindon and a mother of two girls ages 8 and 13, has been missing since Friday evening. She sent a text to her husband saying she was coming home but was never heard from again.

A 20-year-old employee is also missing. Spanish Fork Detective Duane Brunson told St. George News earlier today that he does not believe Kim Shields had a romantic relationship with the employee. He said the man has also not been heard from by his family members since Friday.

Kim Shields’ older sister Terrah Mayes said the employee lied on his application and that Kim Shields was unaware that the employee had a criminal record. His record has not been verified with Spanish Fork police.

“Kim would have called her husband prior to her coming home, never just text him,” Mayes told St. George News. “She would have brought her charger to her cell and changes of clothing if she had planned on leaving. But none of those were taken, along with her medications that are maintenance daily meds. She loves her family. She is almost obsessed with her grooming business that is very successful. She and her husband are very close and deeply in love.”

Kim Shields’ husband Jake Shields said he just wants his wife to come home safely.

“I don’t care what may have happened, we’ll get through it,” he said. “I just need to know she is safe. I’m not giving up on her.”

Mayes argued earlier reports that Kim Shields may be suicidal.

“There is no reason to believe that she wasn’t taken against her will or that she was in any way suicidal,” she said.

Mayes said a signal from Kim Shields’ cell phone showed that she may have been in the St. George area.

St. George Police Department Sgt. Mike Giles confirmed that all police departments in the area were asked to be on alert for Kim Shields and 20-year-old Ryan Rawlings of Pleasant Grove, the man Mayes said was Kim Shields’ employee. Rawlings’ family could not be located for comment.

While details are scarce, her sister-in-law Fawn Shields posted a plea on Facebook for anyone with information.

Kim Shields drives a khaki green Hyundai Veracruz with silver lettering advertising “Leader of the Pack” dog grooming, license plate number PACKLDR.

She has two full size poodles with her: Cheeto is caramel-colored and Joe is black.

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