Sione Vatuvei and Vaea Tulikihihifo die in fatal Salt Lake City shooting

Sione Vatuvei and Vaea Tulikihihifo die in fatal Salt Lake City shooting

Fatal Salt Lake City shooting death of Sione Vatuvei and Vaea Tulikihihifo – Obituary

Sione Vatuvei, 38, of Glendale, and Vaea Tulikihihifo, 46, were killed Wednesday night in a shooting in the parking lot of a church in Salt Lake City, where a funeral was taking place. Salt Lake Police reported that the confrontation involved several people and escalated into an exchange of gunfire just after 7:30 p.m. at the meetinghouse of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints on 660 N. Redwood Road.

Six other men were injured in the incident and taken to local hospitals. One has since been released, while the remaining five are hospitalized with injuries described as non-life-threatening. Police said those involved were known to each other, and some were attending the funeral service. The circumstances of the dispute, including whether it involved two individuals or multiple groups, remain under investigation.

Authorities noted that some participants may have gang affiliations, but the shooting is not currently being classified as gang-related. The investigation is ongoing.