Murder Charge Filed for Deadly Sugar House Shooting

Today, Salt Lake County District Attorney Sim Gill announced 14 charges, including first-degree felony murder, filed against Cesar Gonzalez Juarez for his alleged role in the death of U.D.
 
On September 6, 2025, police responded to reports of gunfire near 1900 East Wilson Avenue. When officers arrived, they found a man, U.D., lying in the middle of the street with multiple gunshot wounds. U.D. was later taken to the hospital, where he was pronounced deceased. Through investigation, detectives learned that U.D. was walking with a group of friends towards a party when a car, a white GTI, pulled up next to them. A verbal altercation started between U.D. and those in the car, which led to the defendant and another passenger getting out of the car and walking up to U.D. The defendant and U.D. then began fighting. U.D. hit the defendant, who fell to the ground. The defendant then allegedly stood up and fired several shots. As U.D. ran away, he was tackled by another occupant of the car, who then started to kick and punch U.D. While U.D. was on the ground, the defendant approached and fired several more shots, fatally wounding U.D. One witness told police that as the defendant was about to walk away, he heard him say, “and that’s why you don’t fuck with me.”
 
A short time later, the defendant turned himself in to the police. Post-Miranda, the defendant told police that when he got out of the car, he was punched in the face multiple times. The defendant said he feared for his safety, so he took his licensed 9mm Smith and Wesson from his waistband and fired it at the individual until he was out of ammunition.
 
The defendant is charged with one count of first-degree felony murder, three counts of first-degree felony discharge of a firearm causing serious bodily injury, and ten counts of third-degree felony discharge of a firearm.
 
 
“Gun violence in our community continues to ruin lives. Our hearts go out to the family of the victim in this case. Our Survivor and Victim Services Division will work with the family to help them connect with the resources necessary to help cope with the trauma of the sudden loss of a loved one,” said Salt Lake County District Attorney Sim Gill. “We appreciate the work of the Salt Lake City Police for their thorough investigation. All persons accused of wrongdoing are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law."