West Jordan Police arrest suspect connected to murder of teenage boy

WEST JORDAN – Police believe they’ve caught the man who shot and killed a teenage boy in his West Jordan home.  However, investigators said several more suspects could be taken into custody when their investigation is done. 

 The victim is identified as Jacob Jeremy Hansen. Police say several people went to Hansen’s home, in the area of 3500 West and 8200 South on Monday morning.  Some witnesses told KSL they heard half a dozen shots coming from the home where Hansen was found in the basement.

“A caller called to report that her son had been shot. We had patrol officers arrive, initially, and found a juvenile male that had been shot at least one time in the chest,” said West Jordan Police Deputy Chief Rich Bell. 

Medics tried to save Hansen and rushed him to the hospital, but he died from his injuries.

Last night WJPD located and arrested Cody Ivory 9-9-02 in connection with yesterdays shooting death of 16 yo Jacob Jeremy Hansen. Ivory was booked on homicide, aggravated robbery, felony discharge of a firearm and obstruction charges.

— West Jordan Police Dept. (@WJPD_PIO) October 5, 2021

Bell said their investigators were told to focus on one specific man as a potential suspect, namely 19-year-old Cody Ivory.

“We began following up on those leads and determined that he was involved,” Bell said.

West Jordan Police believe a drug deal went bad

Investigators believe Ivory and his friends were there to buy drugs. When some sort of argument began, police say Ivory opened fire.

“He was using slang, but based on the slang that he was using, it’s our belief that he was there for some sort of drug transaction,” said Bell.

Investigators are not releasing many details about the argument. But Bell said Ivory admitted to the shooting in a police interview.  Ivory was booked into the Salt Lake County Jail for homicide, felony discharge of a firearm, obstruction of justice, and probation violation.

An investigation continues. Bell said they’re still tracking down the people who went with Ivory to Hansen’s house.

“We are looking for them and would like to talk to them, and, yes, we do anticipate making additional arrests,” according to Bell.

Other reading:

• New Jordan River Trail bridge unveiling in West Jordan Friday

• West Jordan brothers participating in COVID-19 vaccine trial for children

• New developments in a deadly shooting, father issues statement