CRIME, POLICE + COURTS

Fatal officer-involved shooting in South Salt Lake was justified, DA’s office says

Apr 21, 2023, 1:17 PM

police car pictured at scene of south salt lake officer-involved shooting...

South Salt Lake police on the scene of an officer-involved shooting incident in the early hours of Sept. 26, 2022 (South Salt Lake Police Department)

(South Salt Lake Police Department)

BY SAMANTHA HERRERA

Digital Content Producer

SALT LAKE CITY — The Salt Lake County District Attorney’s Office announced Friday that two South Salt Lake officers were justified in their use of force during a shooting in 2022. The shooting left a 44-year-old man dead and injured one officer.

During a press conference Friday, Salt Lake County District Attorney Sim Gill went through the events leading up to Muir’s death in the officer-involved shooting.

Gill said that the initial 911 call was made by Muir’s wife, who told police her husband was in psychosis. She asked for help picking up some items in her home. Three officers then went to the home. Muir showed up to let his wife in and she picked up her items with no issue.

Later, Gill said, Muir called 911 to say that he accidentally shot into his neighbor’s house. From this point on, multiple neighbors made calls to report Muir.

When trying to intercept Muir, two SSLPD officers exchanged gunfire. Muir was killed, and one officer was injured. According to Gill, the evidence suggests that Muir shot three rounds. The officer who was injured shot one round and the second officer shot twelve rounds.

Gill said an investigation led by the Salt Lake City Police Department found that the two SSLPD officers were justified in the shooting. Consequently, no charges would be filed against them.

Gill went on to say that he and his team met with Muir’s wife and parents prior to the press conference. Muir’s loved ones asked Gill to pass on their thoughts.

The family wanted to let people know that Muir’s actions that night weren’t who he was. It was his mental illness and psychosis at play. The family added that they wanted law enforcement to get more training in dealing with people with mental illnesses.

Muir’s family also expressed how hard it was for them to access mental health services for Muir, and asked for better resources for families like them.

Gill said the family had no animosity toward the two officers involved.