- A 17-year-old girl shot on Halloween night in West Valley has died.
- Javen Ryan Welcher, 17, was also killed; no arrests have been made.
- Youth Peace and Justice Foundation will plant a tree in Javen's memory.
WEST VALLEY CITY — A 17-year-old girl shot and critically injured on Halloween night has died from her injuries, West Valley police announced Wednesday.
On Friday, a 17-year-old boy was shot and killed and a 17-year-old girl critically injured while standing outside a home hosting a Halloween party, according to police. The boy has been identified by his family as Javen Ryan "Bug" Welcher. The teen girl's name had not been released as of Wednesday.
Police originally said the girl was 15 but clarified on Wednesday she was 17. Her name has not yet been released.
As of Wednesday, no arrests had been made, and no possible suspect information had been released by the police.
The incident happened just before midnight. West Valley police responded to a report of a "loud party" and "shots fired" near 2600 West and Westshire Drive. Officers say a fight broke out inside the residence that spilled into the street.
"During that fight, multiple parties began shooting at one another, then fled," police said.
Not long after, a crash involving cars taking victims from the party to the hospital was reported near 5300 S. State. Both Welcher and the teen girl were found inside the vehicles. Information on what caused the crash was not immediately available.
"Javen was known for his 'bougie' style and handsome smirk. He was quick-witted and loved making people smile. He was passionate about basketball and had dreams of being a barber," his family wrote in his obituary.
A viewing is scheduled for Wednesday.
"We will miss you more than anything, Javen Bug. We love you," his family wrote.
On his obituary tribute wall, one woman wrote, "Oh what an awesome kid Javen was. Always always watching out for his mama. Had the cutest little smirky smile. Wanted to help when it was needed."
On social media, another woman posted, "A young life taken, but you'll never be forgotten. Watch over your mama, she's a very tough lady, but this one will be the hardest to get through for her."
Meanwhile, the Youth Peace and Justice Foundation, a national nonprofit dedicated to preventing youth violence, announced on Tuesday that it will plant a tree in Javen's memory in the Sawtooth National Forest in Idaho.
"The organization is adding Javen Welcher to its growing list of youth and students lost to gun violence in America as part of its 'Trees For Peace' initiative," the group stated. "Javen Welcher, an innocent victim, was killed in a shooting incident that has shocked the local community. This senseless act, which prematurely ended the life of a promising teenager, highlights the continued crisis of youth violence in Utah and across the country."
