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West Valley City man charged with murder in friend’s death

He says shooting was in self defense during a fight over a handgun.

A West Valley City man has been charged with murder in a friend’s death that he claims was self defense.

The man called police on March 23 and said he had shot his friend in a motor home outside of the man’s house, according to charging documents. Police found the friend, 60-year-old Troy Frampton, dead with gunshot wounds to his face and chest.

The man said they were drinking and had a fight over a handgun. He told police that Frampton rushed at him while the man was holding the gun and he shot Frampton twice. He told police that the shooting was in self defense, according to a probable cause statement.

Frampton was remembered as a loving father and husband with a “witty sense of humor” in an obituary.

“His life revolved around (his sons) and they could see the love in their dad’s eyes every time he looked at them and knew he was proud,” reads the obituary. “Dad had a lot of love to share.”



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