This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2016, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.
Three men have been charged in connection to the shooting death of a Salt Lake City man earlier this month.
Gaethan Laguerre, 25, William A. P-Graham, 20, and James W. Williams, 20, were all charged in 3rd District Court on Tuesday with murder and aggravated burglary, which are first-degree felonies, in the slaying of 18-year-old Jose Javier Fernandez.
Laguerre was also charged with two counts of felony discharge of a firearm with serious bodily injury, which are first-degree felonies. P-Graham was also charged three counts of felony discharge of a firearm with serious bodily injury, as well as obstructing justice, which is a second-degree felony.
At about 7:30 p.m. on April 7, officers responded to the 200 North block of Cornell Street (1550 West) on a report of gunshots, and found the body of Fernandez inside a home. Three children were also in the house.
"[The children] told officers that James Williams came by and invited their younger siblings to go to the park with him," the charges read. "A moment later they heard gunshots inside the house."
A neighbor told the police that he saw two males wearing bandanas over their faces enter the home. The neighbor then heard gunshots, according to the charges.
Police identified a vehicle that reportedly left the scene as being registered to Williams. Police arrested Williams and P-Graham the same day as the shooting.
Laguerre turned himself into the police the following day. Salt Lake City police earlier in the day had asked for the public's help in finding him.
"Post-Miranda, Laguerre told officers several contradicting stories. Laguerre then stated that he provided, 'back up' to P-Graham," the charges state. "Laguerre stated P-Graham had problems with, 'that boy.' Laguerre stated that P-Graham shot the boy first with the .380-caliber handgun, and then Laguerre shot him with the 9mm."
Police say they searched the scene and found eight .380-caliber bullet casings and two 9mm bullet casings.
"Post-Miranda, James Williams told officers that he knew P-Graham and Mr. Fernandez had a 'beef.' Williams stated that he knew what P-Graham and Laguerre were going to do, and that he was tasked with getting the kids away from the residence," according to the charges, which add that Williams "provided several contradicting stories."
Court appearances have not yet been scheduled. Bail for each of the three defendants was set at $1 million, cash-only.
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