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SOUTH SALT LAKE — Homicide charges filed Friday against two Sudanese refugees say the victim got into a car with the pair even after they attempted to kill him at a party they were attending.
Just after midnight on Saturday, Jan. 22, police found Mohammed Hassan inside a car with a gunshot wound to the head. The car was parked along state Route 201 about 900 West. Hassan was taken to the hospital where he died shortly thereafter.
Idrees Adam Idrees and Akol Joker and at least eight other individuals were at a party in West Valley City when Hassan arrived, according to charges filed in 3rd District Court. "Joker confronted Mr. Hassan and they were having a 'very angry argument.' During the argument, Idrees exhibited a handgun. Joker told Mr. Hassan 'I'll kill you,'" the charges state.
Joker took the gun from Idrees and attempted to shoot Mr. Hassan multiple times, but the gun didn't fire, prosecutors say. Idrees then cleared the firearm and fired a test round into the air.
Despite the shooting attempt, Hassan left the party with Joker, Idrees and six other people in a Dodge Durango. "Idrees handed Joker the firearm. Joker turned in the seat, placed the handgun to Mr. Hassan's head and shot Mr. Hassan," the charges state.
Prosecutors say Joker told others in the car not to snitch then fled on foot.
Joker, 21, is charged with murder, a first-degree felony, attempted murder, obstructing justice and firearms charges and is being held without bail in the Salt Lake County Jail. Idrees, 20, has been charged with murder, a first-degree felony, and firearms charges and is being held in the jail in lieu of $1 million bail.
E-mail: sfidel@desnews.com
