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.
The Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office (PBSO) is investigating a series of shootings that occurred Wednesday night in Pahokee, culminating in a deputy-involved shooting.
The Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE), the Palm Beach County State Attorney’s Office, and PBSO’s Violent Crimes Division are conducting parallel and joint reviews of the incident.
According to authorities, the violence began on Wednesday, February 25, at approximately 10:12 p.m., when 44-year-old Charles McCloud Jr. allegedly initiated a series of shootings at multiple locations throughout Pahokee over a roughly 40-minute span.
First Shooting – 171 Booker Place (10:12 p.m.)
McCloud allegedly shot two adult males at a residence located at 171 Booker Place.
Both victims were pronounced deceased at the scene.
Second Shooting – 8700 Block of Doveland Drive
Shortly afterward, multiple gunshots were reported in the 8700 block of Doveland Drive.
Although several rounds were fired, authorities confirmed that no individuals were struck during this incident.
Third Shooting – 750 Belle Glade Road
The third shooting occurred at a convenience store located at 750 Belle Glade Road.
An adult male was shot during this incident and transported for medical treatment. Officials report the victim is expected to survive.
While responding to the reported gunfire on Doveland Drive and conducting a preliminary investigation, a PBSO deputy was securing the area with crime scene tape when McCloud allegedly drove a black GMC SUV directly at the deputy.
Authorities state that McCloud struck the deputy with the vehicle, pushing him approximately 40 feet. After exiting the SUV armed with a firearm, McCloud allegedly attempted to shoot the injured deputy.
In response, the deputy discharged his service weapon, striking McCloud. A second PBSO deputy also discharged his firearm during the encounter. McCloud was pronounced deceased at the scene.
The injured deputy sustained serious injuries and is currently receiving treatment at St. Mary’s Medical Center.
According to PBSO, Charles McCloud Jr. had an extensive criminal history, including prior charges for Riot, Resisting an Officer with Violence, Armed Robbery, Aggravated Battery with a Deadly Weapon, Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon, Carrying a Concealed Weapon, Narcotics Equipment/Possession, and Escape or Attempted Escape from a county facility.
In accordance with standard agency policy, the deputy involved in the shooting has been placed on administrative leave pending the outcome of the investigation.
The FDLE, the Palm Beach County State Attorney’s Office, and PBSO’s Violent Crimes Division continue to actively investigate all aspects of the shootings, including the deputy-involved use of force.
Additional information will be released as it becomes available.