Police Say Shooting Might Be Revenge for Murder

Police Say Shooting Might Be Revenge for Murder


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Sandra Yi ReportingPolice are still investigating a drive-by shooting that injured two people early yesterday morning. It happened in the White Pines area of Middle Canyon, in Tooele County.

Police haven't made any arrests, but investigators say they have some leads in the case. They believe the shooting was gang related. It happened in a public place and that has residents there concerned.

Jennifer Stam: "That scares me, that really scares me."

Jennifer Stam reacts to news of a drive-by shooting at Middle Canyon. She and her family spent the night there. They're frequent visitors.

Jennifer Stam: "We come up here to look at the scenery and camp. I love it because she can go all over the place."

But the popular canyon was the site of an apparent gang shooting early Sunday morning. A family gathering in the White Pines area, which included small children, ended violently.

Lt. Duke North, Tooele County Sheriff's Office: "The male victim had recently got some wood and was stoking up his fire."

Police say a car drove by the campground and someone fired three to five shots. Alvaro Cuenca and his mother-in-law, Debra Richmond, were shot in the stomach. Police are investigating whether the shooting may have been payback for the murder of Richard Martinez last September.

Martinez was shot while walking his dogs at Settlement Canyon Reservoir. Eighteen-year old Daniel Herrera was arrested for the crime.

Lt Duke North: "It's a very dangerous situation, and that's why we'd like to find out who did this."

Both gang shootings happened in public places. Police say it happens as gang members often have get togethers away from their homes. Jennifer Stam says she'll be more cautious on family outings. But she fears, that may not be enough.

Jennifer Stam: "Gosh, it's kinda hard. You can't see everybody. You don't know everybody. I just wish other people would be a little more responsible and think about other people, think about other families around here."

Police say both shooting victims were taken to the hospital by people they were with, and then flown to Salt Lake area hospitals. Alvaro Cuenca was released. His mother-in-law is still in the hospital, in stable condition.

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