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SALT LAKE CITY — A 14-year-old boy was killed by an accidental gunshot Friday afternoon and a 13-year-old boy was taken into custody after police found them both inside a trailer home at a Fairpark-area KOA campground.
This is a major tragedy. You need to keep things locked up. ... Teach your children about these things so that they know that this is not a game, these are not toys.
–Lt. Melody Gray, SLCPD
#gray_quote
"It's usually a very peaceful mobile home park," said resident Brett Wells. He came home Friday to crime scene tape and police investigators surrounding a mobile home just 200 feet away from his own.
The home police were searching, located at 199 N. 1330 West, "wins the (neighborhood) light show every year at Christmas," Wells said, and he has seen the two boys outside playing and shoveling snow in the past.
Salt Lake City police Sgt. Russ Amott said that at about 4:30 p.m., one of the boys had called police saying there had been a shooting. When officials arrived, Hugo Gomez was already dead. Gomez apparently suffered one fatal shot through his neck, according to police.
"We have a family that has lost a 14-year-old son and brother and we have another family that has to deal with the consequences that are forthcoming in this," said Salt Lake police Lt. Melody Gray. She said the "two kids were just playing around" with a gun that had been inside the home.
It is unknown whether the two boys are related.
Bronson Gardner, a 12-year-old friend and neighbor of the boys involved in the incident, said he saw police taking the 13-year-old away from the home and that "he had blood on his hands."
"He looked kinda scared," Gardner said.
The boys were the only ones at the home when police arrived.
"This is a major tragedy," Gray said. "You need to keep things locked up. Unload your weapons if they're in your home. Teach your children about these things so that they know that this is not a game, these are not toys."
Police did not say whether the 13-year-old will face any charges related to the shooting, but he was cooperating with the investigation so far.
Meanwhile, family members of the 14-year-old have identified him to KSL News as Hugo Gomez-Mendez.
They have set up a memorial fund to help pay for the funeral expenses. If you would like to help, you can donate* to the Hugo Gomez-Mendez Memorial Fund at any U.S. Bank location.
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Story written by Wendy Leonard, with contributions from Sandra Yi.
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*ksl.com has not verified the accuracy of the information provided with respect to the account nor does ksl.com assure that the monies deposited to the account will be applied for the benefit of the persons named as beneficiaries. If you are considering a deposit to the account you should consult your own advisors and otherwise proceed at your own risk.
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