4 charged in Kearns funeral shooting

KEARNS — Four people were charged Thursday for their alleged roles in a fatal shooting during a funeral in Kearns, including the 17-year-old gunman who was charged as an adult, his father, who is accused of giving his teen son the gun used in the killing, and two others.

Afuhia Masiu Manatau, 45, and his son, Taitusi Kai Manatau, 17, were each charged in 3rd District Court with murder and two counts of discharge of a gun causing serious injury, first-degree felonies; and obstruction of justice, a second-degree felony. The elder Manatau was also charged with being a restricted person in possession of a gun, a second-degree felony; and four counts of aggravated assault and failing to stop for police, third-degree felonies.

Tevita Siope Tonga Kofe and Heneli Suli Grall, both 19, were each charged with obstruction of justice, a second-degree felony.

"Our hearts go out to all of those that have been impacted by this alleged act of gun violence. Violence should have no place in our community, especially at a house of worship," Salt Lake County District Attorney Sim Gill said Thursday. "I want to thank the efforts of the Unified Police Department for investigating this case."

On Aug. 17, an altercation outside of a church at 4660 W. 5015 South, where a funeral was happening, resulted in the shooting death of 18-year-old Vilisoni "Soni" Angilau. His twin brother, Vita Angilau, was also shot and critically injured.

Unified police say Taitusi Manatau got into a fight with Vilisoni Angilau in the parking lot at the church and, after being handed a gun by his father, shot both Angilau brothers. Both victims then went after the 17-year-old and were able to take the gun away and use it to shoot him before Vilisoni succumbed to his injuries

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