SLCo DA Declines to File Charges for Death of John Michael Gianini

Today, Salt Lake County District Attorney Sim Gill announced he found no wrongdoing by Salt Lake City Police Department officers in the detention of John Michael Gianini, who later died.

On November 21, 2024, SLCPD Officers responded to a "lewdness in progress" call at approximately 800 South and 700 East in Salt Lake City. When officers arrived, they found Mr. Gianini unclothed, he appeared emaciated and was sitting out in the cold. The officers attempted to talk to him, but he was nonverbal and appeared to be in an altered mental state. Officers decided to "pink sheet" Mr. Gianini—the legal process for temporary, involuntary commitment of a person to the custody of a local mental health authority—and police called for medical to transport him to a hospital. As they waited, officers attempted to cover Mr. Gianini with some available items for warmth; Mr. Gianini was uncooperative. Mr. Gianini made several attempts to stand, but the officers commanded him to stay seated and stay covered. Eventually, officers handcuffed Mr. Gianini for his safety. Medical personnel arrived and transported Mr. Gianini to the hospital, but he suffered a cardiac arrest while in transport. He was pronounced deceased later at the hospital. The medical examiner determined Mr. Gianini died of hypothermia.

The Salt Lake City Police Department requested an OICI protocol investigation. The DA's Office review of the facts led them to conclude that the incident did not fall within the statutory definition of an OICI. Nevertheless, the District Attorney concluded that no wrongdoing had occurred and declined to file a criminal case.