Police ID man killed in West Valley shooting; 1 in custody


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WEST VALLEY CITY — A West Valley City man was booked into jail Sunday morning in relation to a shooting that left a 25-year-old man dead overnight, police said.

Christopher James Bonds, 26, was booked into Salt Lake County Jail on suspicion of aggravated murder, a first-degree felony, obstruction of justice, a second-degree felony, possession of a weapon by a restricted person and discharging a firearm, both third-degree felonies, according to jail booking records.

Police responded to a report of “multiple shots fired” near 1800 W. Parkway Blvd. at approximately 2 a.m., according to West Valley police Lt. Steve Burke.

When officers arrived to check out the report, they found the man, identified as Byron Williams of West Valley City, laying on the ground behind an apartment complex with a gunshot wound to the abdomen.

Williams was transported to a local hospital where he died from his injuries.

Burke said Bonds and Williams were acquaintances and the two apparently got into an argument prior to the shooting.

Police investigate a fatal that left a 25-year-old West Valley City man dead early Sunday morning. (Photo: KSL TV)
Police investigate a fatal that left a 25-year-old West Valley City man dead early Sunday morning. (Photo: KSL TV)

Investigators recovered a handgun near the scene of the shooting and believe Bonds attempted to hide the gun, West Valley police spokeswoman Roxanne Vainuku said.

Police received a description from witnesses that led them to Bonds, who was located at a convenience store, West Valley police Sgt. Blair Barfuss said.

Bonds was taken into custody and interviewed by police.

"During that interview, this individual confessed to getting into a verbal argument over numerous things with the individual that was found shot and admitted to shooting the individual during an argument," Barfuss said.

According to state court records, Bonds is currently facing a charge of possession of a controlled substance, a class A misdemeanor, and possession of marijuana or spice, a class B misdemeanor. A warrant for Bonds' arrest was filed Sept. 30 when he failed to appear for a scheduling hearing.

A separate misdemeanor assault charge against Bonds was dismissed in August.

Bonds pleaded guilty in 2015 to possession of a firearm by a restricted person, a third-degree felony, and possession of a controlled substance, reduced from a first-degree felony to class A misdemeanor.

The shooting remains under investigation, Burke said.

Contributing: McKenzie Romero

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