Estimated read time: 3-4 minutes
- Police shot and killed a man in Orem during a search warrant operation on May 5.
- Investigators now say a gun was found next to the deceased; an investigation is ongoing.
- Social media posts claim the victim was Jesse Anderson, sparking public outcry among friends.
OREM — The Utah County Sheriff's Office says a gun was found next to a man who was shot and killed in an Orem house by police officers who were serving a search warrant.
But as of Monday, the sheriff's office has not released the man's name or even his age, only stating the week-old shooting is still being investigated by the officer-involved critical incident protocol team that will turn its findings over the Utah County Attorney's Office, which will then determine whether the police shooting was legally justified.
On May 5, the Utah County Major Crimes Task Force was serving a search warrant at a residence near 400 North and 800 East about 11:30 p.m. According to a statement released Monday, the task force had been investigating Alejandro Andres Demery, 33, for several weeks for alleged drug distribution. Charging documents list Demery's home address near 300 North and 200 East, but a police booking affidavit lists his address as being near 400 North and 800 East where the warrant was served.
Shortly after leaving his residence, Demery was pulled over and arrested. He was charged in 4th District Court Thursday with two counts of drug possession with intent to distribute, a second-degree felony; and two counts of drug possession and one count of possession of drug paraphernalia, class B misdemeanors. Two others in his car were also arrested. One man, Fernando Ledesma Aguardo, 39, was charged with four misdemeanor drug-related crimes.
Not long after they arrested Demery, officers with the task force "served the search warrant at the residence in the area of 400 North and 800 East in Orem. As the task force members entered the home, they were announcing that they were law enforcement and serving a warrant. The members of the Utah County Major Crimes Task Force encountered a male that was not complying with the orders of (police). During this confrontation, shots were fired by law enforcement and a loaded handgun was recovered from (the) floor next to the male who had been shot," the sheriff's office said Monday.
Although the sheriff's office has not publicly identified the deceased man, several people in social media posts say 24-year-old Jesse Anderson — who has the same address in court records as listed in Demery's booking sheet near 400 North and 800 East — was shot and killed. It is not known whether task force members recovered any evidence related to the drug investigation in the home. Anderson had a minor criminal history, according to Utah court records, of mostly speeding and traffic infractions.
"Jesse Anderson was such a wonderful young man and I'm proud to say I got to know him and watch him grow up and become this amazing person. He definitely didn't deserve this," one woman posted on Facebook.
Several people also used the hash tag #justiceforjesseanderson while making their social media posts.
"He wasn't only a good kid but a clean kid never once did drugs or over drank, very smart and happy kid. Loved cars and motorcycles," another post stated.
A GoFundMe campaign* was started to help Anderson's family.
"His family is shattered by this tragedy and now faces the unimaginable task of saying goodbye far too soon," the campaign states. "He was the kind of person you could talk to for hours. Whether you needed a heart-to-heart or just someone to listen, Jesse was always there. He was forgiving, kind, and carried a gentleness that made everyone feel safe and seen.
"We are raising funds to help with funeral and memorial costs, support his grieving family, and begin the long road toward justice and accountability."
*KSL.com does not assure 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.
