Sandy Police have arrested three adults they say are connected to the drive-by shooting of a 17-year-old boy on Friday.
James Edward Smith, 19, and Emmanuel Augustus Espinoza, 20, were both charged with criminal homicide and obstruction of justice, according to a news release. Dina Marie Smith, 58, was charged with obstruction of justice. All three suspects were booked into the Salt Lake County Jail. Police also seized a green Ford Explorer associated with the shooting.
Updated suspect vehicle photo in Sandy homicide investigation. Please notify Sandy Police with any information. 801-799-3000 pic.twitter.com/tjMFGqaxMG
— Sandy Police (@Sandy_Police) May 22, 2020
The teen victim died from his injuries Friday.
The younger Smith was reportedly “having issues” with the victim, FOX 13 reports. He drove with Espinoza to the teen’s home, but Smith claims “he didn’t know what Espinoza would do.” Dina Marie Smith is the mother of one of the shooting suspects, according to FOX 13, and allegedly lied to police about her son and the vehicle.
Police will present the case to the Salt Lake County District Attorney for formal charges.
Editor’s note: The Salt Lake Tribune and FOX 13 are content-sharing partners.
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