WEST VALLEY CITY, Utah__Three Dead, Including Infant and Woman, in Mass Shooting at WestFest Carnival in Centennial Park

WEST VALLEY CITY, Utah — A wave of grief and shock has swept through West Valley City following a tragic mass shooting late Sunday evening at Centennial Park, during the annual WestFest carnival. Five people were struck by gunfire—three fatally—including an infant and a woman who were not involved in the initial dispute. The community is now grappling with painful loss and profound questions about how such violence could erupt at a family-friendly event.

🎡 Chaos in the Midst of Celebration

At approximately 9:20 p.m. on June 15, officers patrolling WestFest near 5600 West and 3100 South observed two teenage groups engaged in a heated verbal dispute. The festival, known for celebrating the city’s cultural diversity, had attracted an estimated crowd of 10,000 attendees. As police moved in to calm the situation, a 16-year-old male from one group suddenly produced a firearm and opened fire.

One officer drew their weapon and returned fire, attempting to stop the assailant, but did not strike him. The suspect was quickly taken into custody without further violence. (apnews.com)

Casualties and Unintended Victims

Initial reports indicate five individuals were struck:

• A 16-year-old male shooter who was apprehended at the scene
• An 18-year-old male, part of the opposing group, shot dead on-site
• A 41-year-old woman and her 8-month-old infant—neither connected to the altercation—both fatally wounded and later pronounced dead at the hospital
• A 17-year-old girl and a 15-year-old boy lightly injured with gunshot wounds to the arms (apnews.com)
• Additionally, a pregnant woman was injured while fleeing over a fence; her condition has not been fully detailed by police (ksl.com)

Innocents Among the Dead

The 41-year-old woman and infant killed were bystanders—parents enjoying an evening at the carnival. Their presence highlights the indiscriminate nature of stray gunfire and the deep anguish wrought when violence violates safe spaces. Community leaders have emphasized that neither victim was involved in the dispute, intensifying the outpouring of sorrow. (apnews.com)

A City’s Collective Cry for Justice

Following the shooting, WestFest was immediately halted—and an outpouring of grief filled Centennial Park. Parents rushed to find their children; others comforted screaming toddlers. Festival-goers described scenes of chaos, with hundreds scrambling for safety as emergency services arrived within minutes. (sltrib.com)

Roxeanne Vainuku, a spokesperson for West Valley City Police, stated: “This is a heartbreaking and senseless act of violence that has deeply impacted our community. We are committed to finding answers and holding the responsible parties fully accountable.” (apnews.com)

Who Was Involved?

Investigators are currently piecing together the identities and roles of those involved:

• The 16-year-old male shooter, detained at the scene and held in juvenile custody
• The 18-year-old male victim, allegedly part of the verbal altercation, fatally shot
• Two teenage bystanders, aged 15 and 17, injured during the chaos; authorities have not yet confirmed their connection to the original group
• A pregnant woman, injured during her attempt to escape the gunfire over a fence

Police continue to question whether the altercation was gang-related or a spontaneous flare-up. Multiple bystanders and festival-goers are being interviewed, with officials urging anyone with footage or information to come forward. (apnews.com, ksl.com)

A Devastated Community

City officials, faith leaders, and public figures joined in a call for unity:

“The violence and deaths at the WestFest celebration in West Valley are tragic and seem to be the result of youth violence,” remarked Salt Lake County Mayor Jenny Wilson. (sltrib.com)

In the hours following, grief counselors and support personnel were deployed across local churches, community centers, and schools—especially to help overwhelmed children and parents process the trauma.

Reflecting on Safety and Prevention

This tragedy raises urgent questions about festival security, youth safety, and conflict resolution:

• Could more police or nonprofits at youth events help prevent escalation?
• Should stricter measures or weapon-screening be implemented at family gatherings?
• What can be done to reduce the access of firearms to minors?

Advocates are calling for enhanced youth programs, better access to mental health resources, and collaborative efforts between schools, faith groups, and city agencies to mitigate risk.

What Happens Next?

As investigations continue:

• Police are compiling witness testimony and media footage
• The juvenile suspect awaits questioning; no details have been released regarding legal charges
• Funeral services for the three victims are currently being arranged, with families asking for privacy during their most difficult moments

A Call to Remember—and Reform

In wake of the carnage, community leaders stress this tragic event cannot be forgotten:

“This was meant to be a celebration of our community—not a field of pain,” said one local pastor during a vigil. “Let us honor the dead by reshaping how we care for our children, our youth, and one another.”

As West Valley City mourns its profound loss—as families bury a child, a mother, and an infant—the need to strengthen community ties, secure safe public spaces, and protect youth has never been clearer. Amid the city’s tears, a fierce urgency rises: to transform sorrow into meaningful change, ensuring no event ends like this again.