Crime
Victims Killed in Shooting at WestFest Carnival in Centennial Park Identified
WEST VALLEY CITY, Utah — Authorities have identified the victims killed in the tragic mass shooting at the annual WestFest carnival held at Centennial Park on Sunday night. The deceased include 18-year-old Hassan Lugundi, 41-year-old Fnu Reena, and an 8-month-old infant.
The shooting, which occurred around 9:20 p.m. near 5600 West and 3100 South, erupted when officers on patrol observed two groups of individuals engaged in a verbal altercation near the festival grounds.
According to West Valley City Police spokesperson Roxeanne Vainuku, as officers attempted to intervene and defuse the confrontation, a 16-year-old male from one of the groups brandished a firearm and opened fire on the opposing group.
A police officer discharged a weapon at the suspect in response but did not strike him.
In total, five people were shot. Hassan Lugundi, believed to be a member of the group targeted by the shooter, was pronounced dead at the scene.
The other two victims killed — 41-year-old Fnu Rena and the 8-month-old baby — were uninvolved bystanders.
Both were transported to a local hospital following the shooting but later died as a result of their injuries. Authorities confirmed the woman and infant were not related and had no connection to either group involved in the altercation.
Two other teenagers were wounded in the gunfire: a 17-year-old girl and a 15-year-old boy. Both sustained non-life-threatening gunshot wounds to their arms and are receiving medical treatment. Investigators are currently determining whether either was affiliated with the involved groups.
Additionally, a pregnant woman suffered injuries while attempting to climb a fence to escape the gunfire. Her current condition has not been released.
The 16-year-old suspect was apprehended at the scene without further incident. He remains in custody and is being interviewed by detectives.
As of now, investigators have not confirmed a motive or determined whether the shooting was gang-related.
“This is a heartbreaking and senseless act of violence that has deeply impacted our community,” said Vainuku. “We are committed to a thorough investigation and to bringing justice to the victims and their families.”
West Valley City Police are urging anyone with information, photos, or video footage of the incident to contact investigators.
The WestFest event, a family-oriented celebration popular in the community, was immediately shut down following the shooting.
City officials are now working to provide grief counseling and support services to those affected by the tragedy.
MT. JULIET, Tenn. — Authorities have identified two victims killed during an active shooter incident at Cedar Creek Marina in Mt. Juliet late Friday night.
The suspect, identified as Gary Haley, a convicted felon with an extensive criminal history, is deceased following an officer-involved shooting, officials confirmed.
Mount Juliet Police officers were dispatched at approximately 9:30 p.m. Friday to the Cedar Creek Marina, located in the 9000 block of Saundersville Road, after receiving reports of a man threatening another individual on the docks.
Due to the active shooter report, a shelter-in-place order was issued for the surrounding area as a precaution.
Upon arrival, officers located an adult male suffering from a gunshot wound.
The victim was later identified as Robby Brogdon, who was transported to a local hospital for emergency medical treatment.
Despite life-saving efforts, Brogdon later succumbed to his injuries.
Investigators determined that the suspected shooter had retreated to a boat within the marina and had barricaded himself inside.
The standoff continued for several hours as officers secured the scene and attempted to resolve the situation safely.
At approximately 1:00 a.m. Saturday, the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI) reported that the suspect engaged responding officers and fired shots at them under circumstances that remain under investigation. Officers returned fire.
The suspect, Gary Haley, was later found deceased aboard the vessel.
During the course of the response, officers also discovered a second adult male victim, Nathan Jones, who had been shot by the suspect.
Jones was pronounced dead at the scene.
No law enforcement officers were injured during the incident.
The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation has assumed responsibility for the investigation, which includes a homicide, an attempted homicide, and an officer-involved shooting.
TBI agents are actively conducting interviews, collecting evidence, and working to establish a comprehensive timeline of events.
Upon completion of the investigation, findings will be submitted to 15th Judicial District Attorney General Jason Lawson for review.
Authorities stated that additional information will be released as it becomes available.