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Suspect in ‘friendsgiving’ killing died after he was accidentally shot with his own gun, authorities say

The Utah Medical Examiner’s Office has determined that the suspect in the killing of one man and the wounding of two others at a “friendsgiving” gathering in South Jordan died after he was shot in the arm by his own gun.

The South Jordan Police Department released a statement that investigators believe Joshua Perez-Garcia, 26, was “shot by his own gun during a struggle” early on Nov. 28. About a dozen friends had gathered at a home when a dispute of some kind broke out.

Efrain Castro, 23, was shot approximately eight or nine times; he died of his wounds almost two weeks later. Two other people were wounded; they were released from the hospital to recover at home.

According to police, Perez-Garcia “was considered the main suspect” in the shootings of Castro and the two other victims. His body was found on Dec. 2 in a construction area near 6200 West and 11000 South. His cause of death, according to the medical examiner, was the gunshot wound to his left arm, “with intoxication and exposure to the elements as significant contributing factors.”

In a news release, police wrote that “there are no additional suspects in this case.”

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