Javier Saldana-Ibarra Murder Conviction

Last night, a Third District Court jury convicted Javier Saldana-Ibarra for the murder of 17-year-old William Ryan and wounding a 19-year-old male.

On August 19, 2017, police responded to a report of multiple gunshots being fired. Upon arrival, officers encountered a 19-year-old male who had been shot in the foot. When questioned by officers, the 19-year-old reported that a white Volkswagen Jetta slowly approached the driveway that he, Mr. Ryan, and another individual were standing in. As the vehicle pulled up, the driver-side front and rear windows rolled down and several gunshots rang out. Mr. Ryan was fatally shot in the head.

Witnesses identified Mr. Saldana-Ibarra as the driver of the Jetta. In a post-Miranda interview, Mr. Saldana-Ibarra admitted his car was used during the shooting. Based on the available evidence, the shooting was gang-related.

Mr. Saldana-Ibarra was convicted of one count first-degree felony murder, one count second-degree felony discharge of a firearm with injury, and two counts of third-degree felony discharge of a firearm. All counts were gang enhanced. Additionally, the murder charge had a weapons enhancement. Mr. Saldana-Ibarra is scheduled to be sentenced February 6, 2024.

“Gun violence harms our community, individuals, and families. We will never tolerate gang or gun violence and we will always prosecute it to the fullest extent possible,” said Salt Lake County District Attorney Sim Gill. “I commend the herculean efforts of the many prosecutors, investigators, victim counselors, and support staff that worked tirelessly on this case for over five years. I also thank our law enforcement partners for their diligent and thorough investigation.”

To highlight the effort required for the successful outcome, the prosecution team finished a seven-day trial with more than 363 exhibits presented and multiple witnesses testifying – including gang members and brave civilians.