A 16-year-old boy opened fire at a crowded festival in West Valley City, Utah, killing three people, including an eight-month-old infant, and injuring two others on June 15, 2025. The shooting occurred around 9:15 p.m. during the final night of WestFest at Centennial Park, transforming what was intended to be a celebration of the city’s cultural diversity into a scene of tragedy.
The victims include Hassan Lugundi, 18, of West Valley City, who police believe was the intended target; Fnu Reena, 41, of West Jordan; and eight-month-old Anderson Garcia Cabrera Jr. The infant’s parents, Mehili Cabrera and Anderson Garcia, were at the festival with their twin baby boys when the violence erupted. Two other teenagers, a 17-year-old girl and a 15-year-old boy, sustained gunshot wounds to their arms and were later released from the hospital.
According to West Valley City Police spokeswoman Roxeanne Vainuku, officers working the festival spotted what appeared to be a verbal altercation between groups. As they approached to intervene, the teenage suspect pulled out a handgun and began firing multiple shots. The shooting took place just 100 yards from a police mobile command center, allowing officers to respond immediately.
One West Valley City officer fired a single shot toward the suspect but did not hit him. Vainuku noted that officers converged on the gunman and took him into custody within seconds of the shooting. The 16-year-old suspect, whose name has not been released due to his juvenile status, was booked into a Salt Lake County juvenile detention facility on three counts of murder.
Police indicated that Lugundi appeared to be the primary target, with the other victims being innocent bystanders caught in the line of fire. All victims were positioned several feet apart but aligned with the gunman’s trajectory. Initially, investigators believed the incident involved two larger groups, but witness statements later suggested the shooting stemmed from a personal grievance between the suspect and Lugundi.
The festival was nearing its 11 p.m. closing time when the shooting occurred, with an estimated 1,000 to 2,000 people still present. Despite the heavy police presence already stationed at the event, attendees were allowed to enter freely without security screening such as metal detectors. Vainuku stated that the city would evaluate security protocols for future events, but emphasized avoiding knee-jerk reactions.
The tragic loss of the infant has particularly devastated the community. In an exclusive interview, the baby’s father described the terrifying moments when gunfire erupted. He had been watching cars with his twin sons when the violence began, initially trying to shield the stroller before discovering blood on one of the babies. A GoFundMe has been established to help the family, who wish to lay their son to rest in Guatemala.
Because a West Valley City officer discharged his weapon during the incident, Salt Lake County’s Officer Involved Critical Incident Investigative Protocol was activated. This requires an external agency, in this case the Salt Lake City Police Department, to investigate the officer’s use of force. The involved officer has been placed on administrative leave pending the investigation’s completion.
Salt Lake County District Attorney Sim Gill indicated it remains too early to determine whether the 16-year-old suspect will be charged as a juvenile or adult. The decision will be made at the time of filing. Investigators continue examining whether the shooting was gang-related or motivated by other factors.
West Valley City Mayor Karen Lang and the City Council released a joint statement expressing their heartbreak over the tragedy. They emphasized that “this is not our West Valley City” and called for community unity in the aftermath. Salt Lake County Mayor Jenny Wilson also commented on what she characterized as youth violence, expressing particular sadness over the loss of innocent bystanders, including the infant.
The shooting represents the second violent incident in the Salt Lake City area within two days. On June 14, Arthur Folasa Ah Loo, 39, was fatally shot during a “No Kings” protest in downtown Salt Lake City. That incident involved a separate suspect and is unrelated to the WestFest shooting.
WestFest is an annual celebration commemorating the establishment of West Valley City and celebrating its cultural diversity. The four-day event typically draws thousands of attendees to Centennial Park for carnival rides, food, and entertainment. The festival had been proceeding normally until the final night’s violence.
Police continue investigating the shooting and have requested that anyone with cellphone video, photographs, or other information contact them at 801-840-4000 or majorcrimes@WVC-ut.gov. Multiple witnesses left the scene during the chaotic aftermath, and investigators hope additional evidence will help clarify the circumstances surrounding the tragedy.