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WEST VALLEY CITY — Police continued searching Wednesday for the gunmen in two separate shootings just hours apart that left one teenager dead and another hospitalized in critical condition.
There was no evidence directly linking the two events, but detectives hadn't ruled out the possibility late Wednesday afternoon, said West Valley police spokeswoman Roxeanne Vainuku.
The fatal shooting victim was identified as Fernando Aranda, 16, of West Valley City.
Police believe that three to four people driving a mid-2000s white SUV — possibly a Ford Escape — approached Fernando as he was walking down the street by himself and an argument ensued, said Vainuku. Fernando was then shot and the others drove off.
On social media, friends of Aranda posted messages of remembrance.
"I can't believe it. May you rest in peace lil homie, you were always a such a loyal friend," one girl posted. "You & your family will remain in my prayers. Much love & respect."
The incident was the second shooting of a teenager in 4 ½ hours in West Valley City on Tuesday.
The first happened about 5 p.m. outside an apartment complex at 3810 S. Redwood Road. A car drove up to a group standing outside. The two groups got into an argument and the people in the car got out to continue arguing and yelling.
At that point, someone from the car group fired several shots, hitting a 15-year-old boy in the abdomen, Vainuku said. He was hospitalized in critical condition. The group got back in the car and drove away, she said.
Several hours later, just after 9:30 p.m., residents in the area of 4700 W. Thayn Drive (3935 South) heard arguing and fighting in the street and went out to tell both sides to stop, Vainuku said. When the neighbor went back into the house, gunshots were heard and Aranda's body was found in the street.
A motive for the killing was not known Wednesday. Anyone with information is asked to call police at 801-840-4000.
