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.
Authorities are investigating a fatal shooting that occurred early Saturday morning during a domestic altercation at an apartment on Mel Smith Road, located in an unincorporated area outside New Albany.
The Floyd County Sheriff’s Office (FCSO) received the initial emergency call at approximately 5:39 a.m. on November 15, 2025, reporting a disturbance involving family members.
While officers were en route, additional information indicated that shots had been fired inside the residence.
Upon arrival, deputies encountered a domestic situation involving a mother and her two adult sons.
Officers immediately secured the scene and began administering medical aid to one of the men who had sustained gunshot wounds.
The second male remained at the location and cooperated fully with responding officers.
The injured individual was transported to a nearby hospital; however, he later died as a result of his injuries.
Detectives with the Floyd County Criminal Investigations Division (CID) have taken over the case and processed the scene for evidence.
Early findings suggest the shooting may have occurred in self-defense, though officials emphasize that the investigation is still in its preliminary stages.
The Floyd County Sheriff’s Office confirmed that the incident was isolated and that there is no ongoing threat to the public.
Authorities state that additional updates will be released as the investigation progresses and more information becomes available.
The case remains active.