WEST JORDAN, Utah, July 24, 2022 (Gephardt Daily) — Two juveniles and one 18-year-old victim were fatally shot during an altercation Saturday night outside a West Jordan house party.
Police were called to the scene, at 3339 W. 6920 South, at about 10:45 p.m., Deputy Chief Jeremy Robertson, West Jordan Police Department, told Gephardt Daily.
“We received a report of shots,” Robertson said. “We found three people who had been shot. One was pronounced dead at the scene, and two were transported to the hospital, where they were later declared deceased.”
It’s still early in the investigation, Robertson said, but initial interviews suggest there was a party near the shooting scene.
“Some kind of altercation occurred, possibly with people who were attending showed up at some point. Multiple shots fired, obviously lots of shell casings in the area, reports of vehicles leaving the area. It looks like there’s a possibility it could be gang-related.”
A news release issued later said one adult and juvenile have documented gang ties. The other juvenile victim has not yet been identified, the statement says.
The West Jordan police statement identified all as black males, but did not indicate if race was a factor in the altercation.
“Investigators worked through the night and were able to identify a juvenile suspect,” the West Jordan Police news release says. “The suspect has been taken into custody and items of evidence including a firearm were recovered.
“Investigators continue to process the scene and follow up on investigative leads. Additional arrests are anticipated.”
The statement thanked the State Crime Lab and the Metro Gang Unit for assistance in the case.
“We believe that this act of violence was a planned, targeted act and that there is not currently a risk to the general public. We extend our condolences to the families of the deceased and will continue to work to identify and arrest those responsible.”
The WJPD asks anyone with information on the case to call dispatch at 801-840-4000 referencing case WJ22-36475.
Gephardt Daily will have more information as details are released.
