Anderson Garcia Cabrera Jr. dies in fatal West Valley City shooting
Fatal West Valley City shooting death of Anderson Garcia Cabrera Jr.
An 8-month-old baby, Anderson Garcia Cabrera Jr., was killed during a mass shooting that took place Sunday night at the WestFest celebration in West Valley City, Utah. The child was attending the event with his family for a Father’s Day outing when violence erupted, leaving three people dead and others wounded.
The tragic incident occurred when police officers intervened in a dispute between two groups. During the confrontation, gunfire broke out, and a 16-year-old suspect allegedly opened fire at the scene. Officers returned fire, though officials said no rounds from law enforcement struck the suspect.
Anderson and Mehili Garcia, the baby’s parents, shared in a fundraising message that they were heartbroken by the sudden loss of their son. They said they are finding it difficult to cope and hope to transport Anderson Jr.’s body back to Guatemala so he can be laid to rest near loved ones.
The Garcias revealed that Anderson Jr. had a twin brother who fortunately was not harmed in the attack. They described their baby as joyful and irreplaceable, saying the evening was meant to be a happy celebration but ended as their most painful experience.
Authorities reported that alongside Anderson Jr., an 18-year-old man and a 41-year-old woman also died during the shooting. Two others were injured. Police believe the teenager who was arrested was targeting the 18-year-old male victim, while the others were innocent bystanders.
The 16-year-old suspect, whose identity is not being released due to his age, was taken into custody and is facing three charges of homicide. He is currently being held in a juvenile detention center.
West Valley City Police emphasized that an active investigation is ongoing to determine all aspects of the shooting, including whether any of the victims were hit by police gunfire. A department spokesperson said the single shot fired by an officer went in a direction away from where the victims were struck.
The police department and city officials expressed their condolences and sorrow over the tragedy. Salt Lake County Mayor Jenny Wilson called the event devastating and highlighted the toll of youth violence, particularly mourning the loss of an innocent baby and bystanders during what was intended as a community celebration.
