District Attorney Sim Gill to screen charges against suspected WestFest shooter in 24-48 hours
Jun 17, 2025, 9:00 PM | Updated: Jun 18, 2025, 3:38 pm
West Fest in West Valley City where 3 people were killed including a young child on Sunday, June 16, 2025. (Scott G. Winterton, Deseret News)
(Scott G. Winterton, Deseret News)
SALT LAKE CITY — Salt Lake County District Attorney Sim Gill expects to review the case against the 16-year-old suspect in Sunday’s triple homicide at WestFest within the next 24 to 48 hours.
The teen, accused of killing three people and injuring two others, has been booked into a Salt Lake County juvenile detention center on three counts of homicide.
DA Awaits Formal Case Presentation
In a statement to KSL TV, Gill explained the next steps in the process:
“We are awaiting a formal presentment to screen the case, which we anticipate happening in the next 24-48 hours. At that point, we will be able to review the complete evidence presented and make our decisions based on the review of that information accordingly.”
(KSL TV)
Gill will determine whether to file charges in juvenile court or move the case to Utah’s 3rd District Court, a decision that carries significant legal implications.
Legal Analyst Weighs In
According to Utah defense attorney and KSL Legal Analyst Greg Skordas, the severity of the crime will likely push the case into the adult court system.
“When the crime gets this serious, the DA probably doesn’t have much choice, and the victim’s families are certainly going to ask for the most punishment. In a juvenile system, if you think about it, you can only serve until you’re 21 — maybe that’s five years. On a triple homicide, a lot of people would feel like that’s not enough,” Skordas said.
Utah Law and Potential Charges
Under Utah law, individuals aged 16 or 17 charged with serious crimes such as murder can be prosecuted directly in adult court without a certification hearing. Skordas believes this is likely the path Gill will take.
“From the facts we’re seeing, it’s likely he’ll be charged with aggravated murder, which is a capital offense. However, because he’s under 18, execution is not an option. That said, this could still result in a life sentence — three times over.”
Does Intent Matter in Charging Decisions?
When asked whether the fact that only one victim was the suspect’s intended target, according to West Valley City Police—while the other two were caught in the crossfire—could impact the charges filed, Skordas said it would not.
“The fact that two of the people killed not intentionally is not going to make a difference. When you pull the trigger and you’re shooting at individuals, the fact that the person killed isn’t necessarily the one you wanted killed isn’t a defense, it isn’t even mitigating.”
6/15 WestFest Shooting
In a press conference on Monday, Roxeanne Vainuku with the WVCPD said a 16-year-old began shooting around 9:15 p.m. Sunday. His target appeared to be an 18-year-old Hassan Lugundi of West Valley. Lugundi was shot multiple times and died on the scene.
Fnu Reena, 41, of West Jordan, and an 8-month-old baby boy from West Valley, were also shot and later pronounced dead at the hospital.
A 15-year-old boy and a 17-year-old girl were also shot in the arm and hospitalized but have since been released.
Fundraiser for WestFest’s Youngest Victim
A *GoFundMe continues to raise money to help support the family of the 8-month-old baby boy who was shot and killed Sunday.
On the site, the parents of the infant write, “On June 16th, 2025, what was meant to be a joyful Father’s Day celebration at the West Fest Carnival in West Valley, Utah, became the most heartbreaking night of our lives. Our precious 8-month-old baby (one of our twin sons) was tragically taken from us in the crossfire of senseless gun violence. We are devastated and struggling to process this unimaginable loss. Our greatest wish is to return our beautiful son to Guatemala, so he can rest in peace surrounded by our family and loved ones.”
*KSL TV does not assure that the money deposited to the account will be applied for the benefit of the persons named as beneficiaries. If you are considering a deposit to the account, you should consult your own advisors and otherwise proceed at your own risk.
Related stories: 3 killed, 2 injured in shooting at West Valley City carnival
