- A 16-year-old boy was arrested in a shooting at WestFest in West Valley City that killed three people.
- The victims include an 8-month-old baby, a 41-year-old woman and an 18-year-old man.
- West Valley officials emphasize community resilience and plan to review security protocols.
WEST VALLEY CITY — A 16-year-old boy accused of shooting and killing three people — including an 8-month-old baby — and injuring two more after opening fire into a crowd at the WestFest celebration on Sunday was booked into a Salt Lake County juvenile detention facility Sunday night.
The boy, whose name has not been released but who police say is from West Valley City, was arrested for investigation of three counts of murder.
On Monday, West Valley police announced that those killed include Fnu Reena, 41, of West Jordan, and Hassan Lugundi, 18, of West Valley City. An 8-month-old boy was also shot and killed. His name was not released. Police say he is not related to any of the other victims.
A 17-year-old girl and a 15-year-old boy were also shot in the arms. They were treated at local hospitals and later released. Police believe Lugundi was the gunman's only intended target, and the other victims were innocent bystanders.
West Valley police on Monday also revealed that one of their officers also fired a shot at the 16-year-old.
"It appears that one officer fired a single round to the south, toward where the suspect was headed, and there was a large stationary backdrop behind him. That round did not hit the suspect, but officers did converge on him and take him into custody within seconds of this happening," police spokeswoman Roxeanne Vainuku said Monday.
Because an officer fired his weapon, a critical incident protocol was enacted, meaning that another agency, in this case Salt Lake police, will investigate the use of deadly force by the officer.
The tragic and extremely dynamic incident unfolded Sunday about 9:15 p.m. at Centennial Park, 5405 W. 3100 South, during the final day of WestFest, the annual event to commemorate the establishment of West Valley City. Vainuku said there were still an estimated 1,000 to 2,000 carnivalgoers present, but the festival organizers had begun the process of closing down when a 16-year-old boy targeted Lugundi.
Initially, police received reports that Lugundi and the teen were part of two larger groups.
"That isn't bearing out quite the same way that it did last night," Vainuku said.
Based on additional witness statements, she says detectives now believe the 16-year-old had some kind of grievance against Lugundi. Whether the dispute was gang-related or over something else was still being investigated.
The teen is believed to have pulled out a handgun and started shooting at Lugundi, who was hit multiple times. All of the victims were several feet apart from each other but in line with the gunman, she said.
"This is obviously a horrific incident, something that we have not experienced in what was supposed to be a citywide celebration, something that is an enjoyable function," Vainuku said. "This is not our community. This is not our West Valley City."
She also praised the quick response from the city's officers.
"I would call it nothing short of heroic that the officers rush into a crowd where gunshots were being fired and quickly brought the suspect (into custody)," Vainuku said.
Vainuku said there was a heavy police presence at WestFest even before the shooting started, which happened within 100 yards of the police mobile command center. Carnival patrons, however, were allowed to freely enter the festival without having to go through something like a metal detector. The city will evaluate its security protocols and look at enacting the best practices for next year, Vainuku said, but no changes will be announced immediately to avoid a "knee-jerk reaction."
West Valley City Mayor Karen Lang and the City Council released a joint statement Monday.
"We are heartbroken. What should have been a joyful night of community celebration ended in unimaginable tragedy. We mourn the lives lost and stand in deep sorrow with the families whose worlds have been forever changed. West Valley City is a community rooted in resilience, compassion and unity. In the face of heartbreak, we must lean on one another, care for one another, and recommit ourselves to building a safer, stronger community.
"We extend our deepest gratitude to the officers, first responders, and medical teams who acted swiftly, as well as the detectives working tirelessly to uncover the full truth. We grieve with you, and we ask that all of us continue to stand together and support one another," the statement said.
Police are asking anyone who may have cellphone video from the incident or other information to call at 801-840-4000 or contact them at majorcrimes@WVC-ut.gov.
