Mom says it’s ‘showtime’ then blasts father of her kids ‘point blank’ at indoor playground after he shows up unannounced amid bitter custody dispute: Cops

A Utah mother is facing multiple felony charges after prosecutors say she calmly announced “it’s showtime” before allegedly shooting the father of her children at an indoor playground in front of employees and children. The shocking incident unfolded amid a bitter custody dispute and has drawn widespread attention because it occurred inside a business designed for young families.

Shooting at Family Entertainment Center Leads to Attempted Murder Charges

Authorities in Salt Lake City say 34-year-old Sarah Huda Elias has been charged with attempted murder after allegedly shooting her ex-husband, 37-year-old Matthew Daniel Elias, at a Kids Empire indoor playground located on South 300 West in Salt Lake City, Utah. Prosecutors also filed additional felony charges, including counts related to firing a gun and causing serious bodily injury, as well as domestic violence charges stemming from the presence of children during the incident.

Police were initially responding to what had been reported as a custodial interference matter on May 22. However, the situation quickly escalated when officers learned that a man had been shot inside the facility. The victim was rushed to a local hospital with serious injuries.

Long-Running Custody Dispute Allegedly Set the Stage

According to court documents, the shooting occurred against the backdrop of an ongoing dispute over parental visitation rights.

The victim reportedly told investigators that he had been attempting for approximately two months to exercise court-ordered parent-time with his daughters, ages 5 and 3, but claimed that Sarah Elias had not been allowing those visits. Prosecutors say the dispute had become increasingly contentious.

On the day of the shooting, the father reportedly traveled to Salt Lake City seeking to see his children. He allegedly knew that Sarah frequently visited the Kids Empire indoor playground and went there after she did not respond to his calls or messages.

Witnesses Describe Unusual Behavior Before the Shooting

Employees and witnesses told investigators that Sarah Elias appeared different than usual on the day of the incident.

According to charging documents, an employee who was familiar with her visits to the playground said Elias often became visibly upset during conversations involving her ex-husband. However, on this occasion, the employee described her demeanor as “eerily calm.”

Witnesses reported that she spent time pacing around the establishment and repeatedly looking out the windows, as if she were waiting for someone to arrive. One witness said she appeared distracted and unusually quiet.

Court records further state that Elias allegedly told an employee where she lived, where her keys could be found, and even provided a door code “in case something happened.” Prosecutors later cited these statements as part of the investigation into her state of mind before the shooting.

Phone Conversation Raised Concerns

One employee reportedly overheard Elias engaged in a tense phone conversation shortly before the incident.

According to court documents, the employee believed the call involved her ex-husband. Witnesses recalled that although the conversation appeared contentious, Elias remained remarkably calm. At one point, she allegedly stated, “You can just take me to court.”

Because of concerns about the escalating dispute, an employee reportedly asked her to keep any confrontation outside if her ex-husband arrived at the business.

“It’s Showtime”: The Remark That Became Central to the Case

One of the most disturbing allegations in the case centers on a statement prosecutors say Elias made moments before the shooting.

Witnesses told police that when her ex-husband arrived at the playground, Elias turned toward her daughter and an employee, smiled, and said, “It’s showtime.” Investigators say her expression then quickly returned to a neutral or blank look.

Another employee reported that Elias asked someone to watch her children before she walked outside to meet the children’s father. Prosecutors later highlighted the alleged remark as evidence suggesting premeditation.

Confrontation Outside the Building

Investigators say the former couple initially spoke outside the playground after the father arrived.

According to witness statements and police records, the conversation lasted for a short period. The father later entered the building and urgently told an employee that Elias had pulled a gun on him. He reportedly requested that police be called immediately.

Moments earlier, the father had reportedly been communicating with police regarding the custody dispute. Dispatch records indicate that during one call, he told authorities that Elias had drawn a weapon. Loud screaming was then heard before the call abruptly disconnected.

Prosecutors Say Victim Was Shot “Point Blank”

According to charging documents, the shooting occurred only seconds after the father entered the building seeking help.

Witnesses told investigators that Elias followed him inside, reached toward her waistband, produced a handgun, and fired at close range. Employees described the shooting as occurring “point blank.”

Court records state that multiple shots were fired. Surveillance footage reportedly captured at least two gunshots, followed by screams from those inside the business.

The victim was struck in the chest and pelvis, according to prosecutors. Emergency medical personnel transported him to a hospital where he underwent emergency surgery for life-threatening injuries. Initial reports described his condition as critical and unstable.

Children and Families Witnessed the Violence

Authorities emphasized that the shooting took place in a location intended for children and families.

According to prosecutors, four children were inside the facility when the gunfire erupted. Employees and patrons witnessed the incident, and several children were present nearby.

After the shooting, staff members reportedly escorted Elias’ children out of the building for their safety.

Witnesses Describe Calm Demeanor After Gunfire

Several witnesses told police that Elias appeared unusually composed immediately after the shooting.

One employee stated that she stood still for a moment and did not appear shocked or distressed. According to court documents, witnesses said she looked unconcerned by what had just happened.

After leaving the building, employees described her as “calm as a cucumber.” Prosecutors say she then spoke to her children and told them that “nothing happened” and that “their daddy has issues.”

Evidence Recovered at the Scene

Investigators quickly secured the scene and recovered physical evidence related to the shooting.

Police located a black handgun and two spent shell casings inside the business. Officers also found ammunition in Elias’ pockets and an empty gun holster attached to her waistband.

She was detained near the scene and later booked into jail. Authorities took custody of the couple’s children, who were placed with police social workers following the incident.

Charges Filed Against Sarah Huda Elias

Following the investigation, prosecutors filed multiple felony charges against Elias.

The charges include:

Attempted Murder

Prosecutors allege that Elias intentionally attempted to kill her ex-husband during the confrontation at the playground.

Firearm and Serious Injury Charges

She also faces felony counts related to discharging a firearm and causing serious bodily injury. Prosecutors contend that the gunfire resulted in life-threatening wounds requiring emergency surgery.

Domestic Violence Charges

Because children were present during the alleged attack, prosecutors additionally charged Elias with multiple counts of committing domestic violence in the presence of a child.

She was reportedly held without bail following her arrest.

District Attorney Condemns Violence at Child-Focused Venue

Salt Lake County District Attorney Sim Gill strongly condemned the alleged shooting.

In a public statement, Gill said gun violence is unacceptable under any circumstances, particularly in a business created for children and families. He also expressed concern for the witnesses, employees, and young children who were exposed to the traumatic event and stated that support resources would be made available to those affected.

Investigation Continues

As the criminal case moves forward, prosecutors are expected to rely heavily on surveillance footage, witness testimony, physical evidence recovered at the scene, and statements made before and after the shooting.

The incident remains one of the most shocking domestic violence-related cases in Utah this year because of its alleged connection to an ongoing custody battle and because it unfolded inside a crowded indoor playground filled with children and families. Elias remains presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.