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Prison time is a likely outcome of an apparent gang-related shooting near Kearns High School. A 16-year-old is dead, and two other teens accused in the case may be tried as adults.
While the gang affiliations in this case have yet to be proven in court, Salt Lake County Metro Gang Unit officers say gangs are going strong here in Utah. They say they have added more work days and don't take holidays off anymore.
Metro Gang Unit Detective Rick Simonelli says he has seen things worsen just over the past few years. Even with gang education programs in schools and communities, he says it's not enough; parents and friends need to get involved.
"I came five years ago. We used to run only four days a week; last couple years, we work seven days a week, even on holidays," Simonelli said.
The latest case he's working on is the death of 16-year-old Esteban Saidi. Officers say he was shot in the stomach during a fight blocks away from Kearns High School. Two fellow students, who are both in custody, will be tried as adults.
Simonelli won't say much else because the investigation is ongoing, but he does say the community should not panic. "I think the community is safe," he said.
However, Simonelli says you should be aware of your surroundings and who you are with at all times. If you're a parent, be aware of your child.
"Look in their room and be aware of what's in their room; bandanna's, poster, graffiti," he said. "A big clue is if their closet only has blue or red, it might be a sign they are in a gang."
Simonelli tells us kids join gangs for protection or to rebel; and if a rivalry heats up among gang members, it can get serious.
"Like if me and you got in an altercation, we'd say a few words and that would be it. But some of these gang members, they go to fist fights. You got your butt beat, you lost, you were the loser. Now these kids want to bring guns to a fight, or a knife," Simonelli explained.
Some of the victim's friends told us it was a mix-up, that Saidi was not involved in gangs and it was a case of mistaken identity. Police won't talk about that.
For more information on gang prevention CLICK HERE.
E-mail: abutterfield@ksl.com
