Police ID suspects arrested after fatal shooting in Millcreek; victim’s name released

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MILLCREEK, Utah, Aug. 14, 2019 (Gephardt Daily) — Unified Police officials have booked two suspects into jail and identified the man fatally shot in Millcreek early Wednesday morning.

The victim was 31-year-old Taylor Kauvaka, of Salt Lake City.

The jailed suspects in the case are Alekzander Ethan May, 18, of Midvale, and Edgar Omar Esquivel, 19, of West Jordan. Each faces a preliminary charge of murder, a first-degree felony.

Sgt. Melody Gray, public information officer for Unified Police, told Gephardt Daily at the scene that officers were called to 3900 S. 700 West just before 2 a.m.

Taylor Johnathon Kauvaka was fatally shot on Wednesday Aug 14 2019 Photo Salt Lake County

When police arrived they found a man, since identified as Kauvaka, lying on the ground outside the Sunnyvale Apartments, the victim of a gunshot wound.

According to Gray, police attempted CPR until medical help arrived but were unable to revive the Kauvaka. He was declared dead at the scene.

Alekzander May Photo Salt Lake County

The call went out across Salt Lake County for all available K-9 units as police from multiple agencies searched a wide area before finding a weapon believed used in the shooting.

Gray said several people were detained, including the two suspects. She said their relationship to the victim and a possible motive remained unclear.

Gray said police were exploring potential gang ties, but had yet to make a determination.

 

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