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SANDY — Sandy police have made three arrests in connection with a shooting that left a 17-year-old dead on Friday.
James Edward Smith, 19, and Emmanuel Augustus Espinoza, 20, have been arrested on suspicion of criminal homicide and obstruction of justice, Sandy police announced Saturday. Dina Marie Smith, 58, has also been arrested on suspicion of obstruction of justice.
The green Ford Explorer police were searching for Friday has also been located and seized, they said.
"These arrests were made following tips from the public and diligent investigative police work by Sandy detectives," police said in a news release. "The case will be presented to the Salt Lake County District Attorney’s Office for determination of formal charges."
Three arrests made in the Saphire Dr homicide case. Thanks to the public and diligent work of investigators leading to the arrests. pic.twitter.com/dpZAR3dWmS
— Sandy Police (@Sandy_Police) May 23, 2020
In a probable cause statement for James Smith's arrest, police said Smith had been driving the Explorer when it went past the home near 1100 East and Saphire Drive.
Smith "had been having issues" with the teen, he told police; he called his friend Espinoza, then picked him up at his residence and drove to the teen's house about 11 a.m. The teen came outside and Espinoza shot at him from the back seat, striking him in the chest, the statement says.
Smith then dropped Espinoza off at home and returned to the Discovery Inn in Midvale, where he was staying with his mother.
Smith later told police he didn't know what Espinoza was going to do.
He was seen driving the vehicle by several Ring doorbells in the area, police said. Warrants were served on the vehicle and hotel room, and "evidence supporting the case" was located in both.
James Smith initially denied knowing about the incident and wouldn't identify Espinoza, the statement says.
The teen died from his injuries after being transported to a hospital in critical condition. His name has not been released.
