Estimated read time: 2-3 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 Information in the story may be outdated or superseded by additional information.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.
MILLCREEK — Unified police have arrested several people in the shooting death of a 14-year-old boy on Sunday.
John Mula, 14, was shot and killed at the Monaco Apartments, 4115 S. 430 East, about 2:30 p.m. on Sunday. Several people, originally described by witnesses as ranging in age from mid-teens to young adults, were last seen driving away from the scene in a brown Chevy Impala.
"Three of the individuals exited the vehicle, all wearing black hoodies (and) black and white bandanas, and opened fire on the victim and then fled the scene," police said Thursday.
After receiving numerous tips and interviewing people, the Unified Police Department's Violent Crimes Unit rounded up all five people for questioning. Investigators believe they have everyone involved.
Four teenage boys were arrested and booked into Salt Lake Juvenile Detention. A possible motive for the crime was not released Thursday, although police had previously said the shooting was believed to be gang-related.
"This senseless act of violence has deeply affected our community," police said Thursday. "The Unified Police Department and Millcreek mayor and City Council extends its deepest condolences to the victim's family. Violence of this nature is never the answer, and a family is now mourning the loss of a loved one due to these tragic actions."
Gangs are recruiting younger, police warn amid rash of youth violence in Salt Lake Valley
A recent rash of violence in the Salt Lake Valley involving teens and young adults has the county's top law enforcers calling for stronger legislation and more funding.On Facebook, the Murray Youth Football page paid tribute to John.
"Nothing in life could ever prepare me for this. My heart has never known this sadness, my mind has never been so blank and words just don't come easy. On Aug. 25 one of our Spartan family was killed in a senseless act of gang violence. John didn't want to be in a gang and for choosing the right path, at 14 years old, with an entire life ahead of him, John's life was taken," the post says.
"John was such an amazing human. His friendship knew no boundaries. His love for family, especially his sister, was something to look up to. If he loved you, you knew. Everyone gave him a hard time about being short but it just made him want to be better, faster, and stronger. Always ready to play basketball or football. John was smart, had the best sense of humor and the most contagious laugh. Always joking, smiling, and laughing. John just simply loved life. To say that he will be missed is an understatement. The silence from his absence will be deafening."
According to the group, a fundraiser* is being held for the family to cover funeral expenses by sending them money directly.
"If you are able, please donate to Birya Mula through CashApp or @michelle-cross-12 through Venmo."
*KSL.com does not assure that the money deposited to the accounts 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.
