SALT LAKE CITY, Utah, April 27, 2026 (Gephardt Daily) — Detectives with the Salt Lake City Police Department Homicide Squad have arrested 32-year-old John Vea Uasike Jr. in connection with deadly shootings in the Rose Park area.
The investigation began on Jan. 7 of this year when officers responded to a reported shooting at 660 N. Redwood Road. The site was a meetinghouse of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, which was hosting a memorial service.
Upon arrival, officers located eight victims who had been shot in the parking lot of a church. Two of the victims died at the scene.
“Through extensive investigative work, including anonymous tips, physical evidence, and witness statements, detectives identified Uasike as a suspect,” the SLCPD statement says.
“He was located and arrested in California and is awaiting extradition to Salt Lake City. Once extradited Uasike will be booked into the Salt Lake County Metro Jail.”
A statement from the Salt Lake County Attorney’s Office says Uasike will be booked for:
- Two counts of murder, a first-degree felony
- Two counts discharge of a firearm causing serious bodily injury, a first-degree felony
- Discharge of a firearm causing bodily injury, a first-degree felony
- Prohibited dangerous weapon conduct, a second-degree felony
One of the co-defendants in the case, Ryan Daniel Toutai, was charged by the SLCo DAO on Jan. 20, with obstructing justice, a second-degree felony. Another, Ezekiel Isaiah Tai, was charged on Jan. 26 with obstructing justice, a second-degree felony.
The SLCPD statement says detectives believe additional individuals may be involved in this case, “and are urging witnesses to come forward with any information that could assist in further arrests. Anyone with information is encouraged to contact police at 801-799-3000.”
