Crime
16-year-old Matthiaz Cantre Lauti Ioane-Register charged with 4 counts of murder in WestFest shooting
A 16-year-old boy has been formally charged with four counts of aggravated murder in connection with the June 15 shooting at the WestFest Carnival in West Valley City, which left three people dead — including a pregnant woman — and multiple others injured.
During a press conference on Friday, Salt Lake County District Attorney Sim Gill announced that Matthiaz Cantre Lauti Ioane-Register, 16, will be prosecuted as an adult.
Gill stated that Ioane-Register is facing a total of 13 criminal charges related to the incident, including four counts of aggravated murder.
The charges stem from a mass shooting that occurred around 9:15 p.m. on the final night of the WestFest Carnival at Centennial Park.
According to the West Valley City Police Department (WVCPD), the teen suspect opened fire, allegedly targeting 18-year-old Hassan Lugundi of West Valley City, who died at the scene.
Two other victims, 41-year-old Fnu Reena of West Jordan and an 8-month-old baby boy, were struck by gunfire and later pronounced dead at the hospital.
Reena, who was eight weeks pregnant at the time, was not related to the infant. Due to her pregnancy, an additional count of murder was filed.
In total, five people were shot during the incident. In addition to the three fatalities, a 15-year-old boy and a 17-year-old girl were both wounded and hospitalized with gunshot injuries to the arm.
They have since been released.
A pregnant woman attempting to escape was also injured while trying to climb a fence.
During the shooting, several officers were in the immediate area. One officer discharged a firearm at the suspect but did not strike him.
Due to the officers’ close proximity to the scene, the 16-year-old was taken into custody within seconds, according to WVCPD spokesperson Roxeanne Vainuku.
The teen suspect was initially held in juvenile detention. Although his identity has now been released due to his adult charges, other minors involved in the case — including the infant and two teens who were injured — will not be publicly identified.
District Attorney Gill further confirmed that both the suspect and the intended target, Hassan Lugundi, were affiliated with gangs.
The shooting has had a profound impact on the local community and prompted renewed calls for action to prevent youth violence.
“Our hearts go out to the members of our community who have lost their loved ones,” Gill said.
The investigation remains ongoing.
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.