Check out the video above: WestFest shooting suspect arrested on multiple murder charges
In West Valley City, Utah, ABC4 — The investigation into the actions of an officer during the WestFest shooting in June has concluded, and the Salt Lake County District Attorney’s Office will not be bringing any charges against that officer.
It all started on June 15 when a shooter opened fire in a crowd at the WestFest carnival targeting 18-year-old Hassan Lugundi. Tragically, along with Lugundi, 41-year-old Fnu Reena from West Jordan and an eight-month-old baby from West Valley City lost their lives in this horrifying incident.
The police later identified the shooter as 16-year-old Matthiaz Cantre Lauti Ioane-Register, who is facing 13 felony charges, including four counts of aggravated murder.
During the ordeal, the officer did attempt to take a shot at Ioane-Register but missed. The situation triggered the Officer Involved Critical Incident (OICI) protocol, necessitating an independent investigation conducted by the Salt Lake City Police Department.
Once the investigation was finalized, the DA’s office assessed the evidence and chose not to take action against the officer for discharging his weapon.
At the time of the shot, the suspect was fleeing the scene and had already dropped his gun, which made it possible for law enforcement to apprehend him.
The findings from the investigation indicated that the officer likely acted under the legal defense of justification according to Utah law, which led to the decision to forgo any criminal charges. Essentially, they affirmed that had charges been pressed, a jury would probably find the officer justified in using deadly force to avert further casualties.
In Utah, officers are permitted to utilize deadly force if they believe it’s necessary to prevent serious harm or death—especially when apprehending someone who has already inflicted danger.
Moreover, investigators confirmed that the officer’s shot did not strike any of the victims present when the gunfire erupted.
Meanwhile, the case against Ioane-Register is still progressing, with his next court appearance set for October 14.
Charges are mere allegations. All individuals arrested are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law.
