SOUTH SALT LAKE, Aug. 13, 2024 (Gephardt Daily) — Sheriff officials say they have arrested two documented gang members after the fatal shooting Aug. 3 of an 18-year-old man at the Mt. Olympus trailhead.
Ten days after the death of 18-year-old Naod Welday, Salt Lake County Sheriff officials served search warrants Tuesday at the residences of Mateo Martinez, 20, and a second male, 15, whose name and arrest records are being withheld due to his juvenile status.
“This tragic event is a stark reminder of the devastating impact of gang violence,” Salt Lake County Sheriff Rosie Rivera said in the prepared statement. “We are committed to ensuring that those responsible for this senseless act are brought to justice.”
Deputies were dispatched to the trailhead at about 4:30 a.m. on Aug. 3, a Saturday, on reports of gunshots. Welday had suffered multiple fatal gunshot wounds.
“He was accompanied by two friends at the time, one of whom was also assaulted by the suspects,” the news release says.
“Importantly, none of the victims were associated with or suspected of gang activity.”
An affidavit filed in the arrest of Martinez says Welday and his friends were in a car at the trailhead parking lot, at 5425 S. Wasatch Blvd., and locked their doors when an altercation began between them and another group of males.
“These suspects forced their way into the locked car by breaking windows and opening the door from the inside,” Martinez’s affidavit says.
“During the altercation, N.W. was shot numerous times and died on scene.”
The other males in the car were also attacked, one with a hammer and the other with fists, the statement says. The male attacked with a hammer required hospitalization.
Evidence, including a hat left at the scene led detectives to Martinez, his affidavit says.
“Through further investigation of Mateo, detectives were able to gather electronic data that places him at the crime scene on the date and time of N.W.’s murder,” the statement says.
The statement also revealed it was Welday who called dispatch.
“During the 911 call, multiple people could be heard banging on the windows demanding entry into the vehicle. Windows could be heard getting broken. You could then hear the males in the vehicle being assaulted and screaming/crying. Then it sounds like there were three to four gunshots. Then there is nothing more heard.”
Martinez was jailed for investigation of:
- Murder, a first-degree felony
- Aggravated burglary, a first-degree felony
- Aggravated assault, a third-degree felony
- Assault, a third-degree felony
As always, charges will be determined by the County Attorney’s Office.
The arresting officer noted that Martinez is a member of Florencia 13, a gang “known for their violence and retaliation against victims, witnesses and relatives of victims or witnesses.”
Martinez was ordered held without bail.
The Salt Lake County Sheriff’s Office asked anyone with more information about the case to call dispatch at 801-840-4000.
