Cedar City man sentenced to life in prison for murdering his mother

By Tracie Sullivan, for Iron County Today

A Cedar City man was sentenced Tuesday to 15 years to life in prison for killing his mother and burying her body under concrete in their backyard shed.

Joshua James Glover, 36, who recently pleaded guilty to the first-degree murder of his mother, Kay Gosewisch, was sentenced this week to 15 years to life in prison.

In sentencing, Fifth District Court Judge Matthew Bell condemned Glover's actions, calling them “selfish, shameful, cowardly and inexcusable.” He recommended that the defendant spend the rest of his life in prison.

The court also did not award Glover the four years he spent in custody, citing his poor conduct during his imprisonment.

According to charging documents, police began investigating Glover in 2020 after concerned neighbors and bank employees who often visited Gosewisch reported that she had not been seen in weeks. A social status check led officers to suspect a crime and led to a search of the property.

During the investigation, detectives discovered a freshly poured patch of concrete in a shed on the property. Further investigation also revealed that Glover had used his mother's debit card to purchase bags of cement and other materials at local hardware stores. Video footage captured him making these purchases.

Gosewisch's body was later found encased in several feet of concrete in the shed. The medical examiner determined that she had been killed by blunt force trauma, and her death was ruled a homicide.

A warrant was issued for Glover's arrest and Cedar City police arrested him after a brief escape attempt.

Iron County District Attorney Chad Dotson praised the efforts of Cedar City police, neighbors and bank employees whose vigilance led to justice for Gosewisch.