Police have arrested one man accused of being involved in a fatal shooting Saturday outside of a Midvale wedding, but they are still looking for other suspects — including the shooter.
Oscar Avila, 28, was killed outside The Ganesh Center at 145 E. Fort Union Blvd. on Saturday night, where his mother had just gotten married. A 22-year-old man was arrested Wednesday night on suspicion of obstruction of justice and rioting.
According to Unified Police, three men were “causing trouble” at the wedding reception on Saturday night, then asked to leave. As they were being escorted out of the building, a fourth suspect — identified by the Metro Gang Unit — arrived and began fighting with a wedding guest. The other three suspects and several wedding guests joined the fight.
One of the suspects pulled a gun from his waistband, witnesses told police. The suspect pointed the gun at Avila’s mother, then pointed it at Avila, who was on the ground, and shot him. According to a probable cause statement, two shots were fired, and Avila suffered a fatal gunshot wound to the chest. The four suspects — including the 22-year-old in custody — ran away after the shooting.
Police said the 22-year-old suspect took an “active part” in the “large, gang related fight.” According to police, the suspect in custody was identified by witnesses and seen on surveillance video, but he denied that he was at the wedding or involved in the fight.
When his room was searched, a gun was found. But is not suspected of shooting Avila. The 22-year-old was booked into the Salt Lake County jail, where he is being held without bail.
According to the probable cause statement, there are “two firearms outstanding that were seen and/or used during the fight,” and there are still “multiple suspects at large.”
Police continue to investigate.
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