WEST VALLEY CITY, Utah, Dec. 13, 2016 (Gephardt Daily) — Police have identified a 20-year-old man who died in the driveway of a West Valley Home on Monday night after suffering multiple gunshot wounds.
Officers found Javier Medina, of West Valley City, deceased in the driveway of 7174 W. Bendixon Way (2680 South) at approximately 11:30 p.m., according to a news release from West Valley City Police Department. Medina did not live at the location and was visiting acquaintances there.
A woman, 32, who also had been shot, was transported to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. Medina was an acquaintance of the female victim as well.
Investigators believe there are multiple suspects involved, but are unable to release further information at this time.
“The area is very familiar to us,” WVC Lt. Steve Burke said when asked about the frequency of police calls. “There are some gang issues in the area, but we don’t know if this (particular shooting) is gang-related.
“Several people saw something, and a lot heard something,” Burke said, so detectives will be interviewing anyone who was near the scene at the time of the crime and “putting together all the little pieces.”
Quite a few people were in the home, including children, most of whom live there, Burke said.
“We’re trying to catch up a little,” Burke said. “We have a very emotional family obviously — one of their loved ones has been killed. So trying to get stories from them is difficult just because you’re dealing with their emotions.”
He said detectives would be talking with family members in the next few days, as well as interviewing the woman who was taken to the hospital.
Investigators worked through the night conducting interviews and following up on leads. At this time, it is unclear what precipitated the shooting.
Anyone with information about this case is encouraged to contact WVCPD at 801-840-4000. Police say tips can be made anonymously.
