WEST VALLEY CITY, Utah, July 17, 2019 (Gephardt Daily) — The family of a 19-year-old man who died after a shooting early Sunday morning in West Valley City is paying tribute to him and has set up a a GoFundMe page to help pay for his funeral expenses.
Neko Noa Jardine was mortally wounded at about 12:10 a.m. Sunday when he and two other young men were confronted by unknown suspects outside a home near 5600 West and 4300 South.
Early Sunday, WVCPD Lt. Shane Matheson told Gephardt Daily that the victim, later identified as Jardine, was shot in the neck, chest and abdomen and was taken by a friend to the hospital, where he immediately underwent surgery.
The police tweeted Sunday evening that Jardine had died, but no further details were made available.
The call initially came in as a drive-by shooting, but police believe the shooting also involved some sort of confrontation or altercation.
The GoFundMe page set up by Jardine’s family said: “Our sweet boy, Neko Noa Jardine, returned home to our Heavenly Father — Sunday, July 14, 2019.
“Neko was raised by his Nana, Sherry Jardine, who became everyone’s Nana. Nana raised him and helped him excel in sports, academics, church events, and watched him thrive with all his friends and family. Neko was an example of loyalty, hard work, service and known for being there with you ’til the very end.
“On behalf of Neko Noa’s Family — Nana, Jason, Leslie, Sione and Tuna. We want to thank you all for the outpouring of love and support for our family and for our Neko Noa. Despite the way he was taken from us, we will forever be grateful that he was given to us in the first place.”
“Please help us is in supporting his Nana during this hardship by donating to this GoFundMe account. All proceeds will be used for his medical expenses and funeral services. Thank you for all your love and support. Malo Aupito. Ofa Lahi Atu.”
In this same incident, a 17-year-old male was shot three times in the legs and an 18-year-old male had a large cut on his arm. Both of those victims were transported by ambulance to the hospital, where they were treated for their injuries and released.
On Tuesday, West Valley City police released a photo showing part of a suspect vehicle that may be connected to the homicide.
“Investigators have obtained a partial photo of the suspect vehicle in the shooting homicide of 19-year-old Neko Jardine,” says the WVCPD tweet, issued Tuesday.
“It’s a red sedan, possibly Nissan Altima or Maxima. Please RT & if you recognize this vehicle or have info about this crime, call 801-840-4000.”
