Estimated read time: 4-5 minutes
This archived news story is available only for your personal, non-commercial use. Information in the story may be outdated or superseded by additional information. Reading or replaying the story in its archived form does not constitute a republication of the story.
SPRINGVILLE — The family of a 23-year-old man who died after he was shot is sharing their loved one's story.
Springville police said Michael Mayer died after he was shot multiple times early Saturday.
Josh Mayer, the victim's father, said Michael, or "Mikey," lived with his brother at an apartment complex near 200 S. 100 West for three months.
"He worked, just trying to get himself established, just trying to get his life in order and get things moving forward," Josh Mayer said.
He said his son worked the graveyard shift for his main job at an Orem-based company. "He learned all the machines; he was a fast worker. They were actually training him to be team lead," he said.
He said his son was just as committed to his parents and six siblings.
"He lived his life to serve his family," he said. "He'd do anything for anybody, no matter if he was tired, didn't matter if he hadn't slept in a week."
His family said they weren't aware of any issues Mikey Mayer may have had with someone.
"Mikey was like Ferdinand the Bull," Josh Mayer said. "He wouldn't harm a fly. He wouldn't get mad, he'd just get upset."
They said he surrounded himself with friends.
He also did DoorDash on the side to make extra money. He said his son had just finished some late-night deliveries when he came home and was shot outside.
"It's a homicide; it's nothing pretty," Josh Mayer said. "You don't ever expect that to happen."
He said Mikey Mayer's brother was at home inside the apartment they shared at the time of the shooting but had no idea what had happened. "He's devastated," he said. "Couldn't believe what happened."
He said Mikey Mayer's older sister called family members from the hospital where he was taken. "The doctors just told her they did everything they could, but he passed away, so that's how I found out my son had died," he said.
Neighbors said they heard gunshots about 3 a.m. and called 911.
In a police booking affidavit, officers said Mikey Mayer was shot in the chest multiple times. He was taken to the hospital, where he died from his injuries. Police told KSL it was very likely a robbery took place, but they were not ready to make any conclusive statements.
Mayer said he has a lot of questions about who shot his son and why.
"I was angry at first, but I know they're doing their job; I know with technology, the things they can find, I know they'll find them," he said. "They'll find out who did this, and they'll bring him to justice."
Police arrested three people Saturday. At least two of those people were taken into custody after an hourslong standoff with officers from multiple agencies.
Amanda Bird, 43, was arrested and booked into the Utah County Jail for investigation of obstruction of justice and failing to stop at the command of police. She and another man in the apartment were taken into custody and questioned. Bird initially told detectives the other man shot Mayer because Mayer owed the man money, but later said he did not shoot him and that "she did not know anything about what happened."
As of Monday, Bird is the only person who has been arrested. Police say the homicide investigation is continuing and additional interviews need to be conducted.
Josh Mayer said he doesn't know many of the details.
"Of all people, why Mikey?" he asked.
He said he was focused on laying his son to rest.
"Mikey was loved by everybody he was around, so for this to happen to him doesn't make any sense," he said.
The Mayer family will be holding a viewing and memorial open to the public on Nov. 22 at 10 a.m. at 233 E. Schoolhouse Road in Saratoga Springs.
A GoFundMe* has been set up to help financially support the family.
Contributing: Pat Reavy, KSL.com
*KSL.com does not assure that the money 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 advisers and otherwise proceed at your own risk.
