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West Valley City • Three people were killed, including an 8-month-old infant, and two others injured in a shooting on the final night of a festival meant to celebrate the diverse cultures of Utah’s second largest city.
The shooting happened Sunday night during WestFest in West Valley City, according to the West Valley City Police Department.
The deceased included a 41-year-old woman, an 18-year-old man, and an 8-month-old baby, according to police spokesperson Roxeanne Vainuku.
Two other teens were injured by gunshots, Vainuku added, and a pregnant woman was hurt while trying to jump a fence leaving the scene.
A 16-year-old male is in custody in connection with the shooting, Vainuku said, adding that there are no other suspects at this time.
SHOOTING: there has been a shooting at WestFest, which was underway at Centennial Park. Several people are hurt. PIO is enroute. Media: standby for staging.
— WVC Police (@WVCPD) June 16, 2025
At about 9:20 p.m., police officers working the festival spotted two groups in a verbal altercation. When they approached, police said the suspect pulled out a gun and fired multiple shots. Officers did not hit the suspect, Vainuku said, but took him into custody soon after.
The carnival was happening at the city’s Centennial Park. The shooting took place directly in front of several rides.
(Chris Samuels | The Salt Lake Tribune) Law enforcement investigate after a reported shooting at WestFest in West Valley City, Sunday, June 15, 2025.
“The violence and deaths at the WestFest celebration in West Valley are tragic and seem to be the result of youth violence,” Salt Lake County Mayor Jenny Wilson said in news release Monday morning. “I am so deeply saddened by the loss of life, especially that of an innocent bystander and an infant. My thoughts are with all who were onsite and impacted by this tragedy and the families of those who lost their lives.”
Vainuku said the police investigation into the shooting was ongoing as detectives interviewed witnesses Sunday night. She added that other possible witnesses may have left the scene in the chaotic aftermath and urged any with information to contact West Valley City police.
Detectives had yet to interview the suspect as of the Sunday night briefing and did not know if gang ties played a role in the shooting.
The shooting happened a day after 39-year-old Arthur Folasa Ah Loo was shot and killed during the “No Kings” protest in downtown Salt Lake City on Saturday evening.
This story will be updated.
