Charges Filed in Halloween Party Fatal Shooting

This week, Salt Lake County District Attorney Sim Gill announced charges against Jhared Ivan Rodriguez for the shooting death of Jesus Puerta Tovar at a Halloween party in West Valley City.

On October 28, 2023, both Mr. Rodriguez and Mr. Tovar were at a friend’s house for a party. Mr. Tovar came with two males that the host asked to leave because of a “beef” they had with Mr. Rodriguez over a female acquaintance.  A fight broke out between Mr. Tovars’ and Mr. Rodriguez’s friends, but it was broken up and Mr. Tovar’s group left the party. However, one member of Mr. Tovar’s friends left his keys inside the party, so the three males returned, and another fight broke out between the same two groups. At one point during the fight Mr. Rodriguez allegedly pulled out a handgun and shot at Mr. Tovar and other partygoers as they ran from the scene. Bullets hit Mr. Torvar on both the arm and the back. Mr. Tovar’s friends took him to the hospital where he later died.

Mr. Rodriguez is charged with first-degree felony murder; second-degree felony discharge of a firearm with injury; and six counts of third-degree felony discharge of a firearm.

“Violent offenses with guns will continue to be prosecuted aggressively by this office. Gun Violence has no place in our community,” said Salt Lake County District Attorney Sim Gill. “We appreciate the hard work of our partners in law enforcement at the West Valley City Police Department for conducting a thorough investigation. All persons accused of wrongdoing are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.”