Estimated read time: 1-2 minutes
WEST VALLEY CITY — A Kearns man is accused of fatally shooting another man at a Halloween party in West Valley City.
Jhared Ivan Rodriguez, 20, was charged Tuesday in 3rd District Court with murder, a first-degree felony; discharge of a gun causing injury, a second-degree felony; and six counts of discharge of a firearm, a third-degree felony.
On Oct. 28, Jesus Puerta Tovar, 19, went to a Halloween party with friends near 1400 W. Parkway Ave. The homeowner later told police that "it was meant to be a small party, but between 15-30 people showed up," according to charging documents. Tovar and his friends were asked to leave because one of his friends and Rodriguez — who was friends with the party host — don't like each other due to a "beef" over a girl, the charges state.
But Tovar wanted to stay and party, according to police.
At some point during the night, a fight broke out between Tovar's group and the other group, the charges state. The homeowner told police that he "was pushing Rodriguez back from fighting, and told Rodriguez not to do anything he would regret," according to the charges.
The fight was broken up and Tovar's group left, "but then realized that they'd left the car keys on the lawn and turned back." When they returned, the fight started up again.
According to different witness accounts, Rodriguez pulled out a gun after being hit by Tovar, while other witnesses stated that Tovar made a disparaging remark about Rodriguez's girlfriend, charging documents state. Tovar's group started running when Rodriguez pulled out a gun. Multiple rounds were fired, police said.
Friends drove Tovar to a local hospital where he died from his injuries. An autopsy determined Tovar was shot twice from behind, the charges state. Eight shell casings were recovered by police.
