Shihab Wesaga Convicted for Murder During a Drug Deal Turned Robbery.

A Third District Court jury convicted Shihab Wesaga for the murder of Alonso Garcia-Mendoza on March 9, 2021, during a drug deal that turned into a robbery and shooting. Mr. Garcia-Mendoza was not the only victim that day, two other people in his car were shot as well. One of those passengers was taken to the hospital with two collapsed lungs after being shot in the chest.

 

Last week, following a 4-day trial, a jury convicted Mr. Wesaga of first-degree felony murder, aggravated robbery, four counts of first-degree felony discharge of a firearm, three counts of second-degree felony discharge of a firearm, four counts of third-degree felony discharge of a firearm and obstruction of justice.

 

Mr. Wesaga’s co-defendants’ cases are still working their way through the criminal justice system, they remain innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. The sentencing for Mr. Wesaga is set for July 6.

 

“Gun violence in our community will not be tolerated. The crimes committed by Mr. Wesaga not only put those involved in danger, but also those who live in the neighborhood where the shooting happened,” said Salt Lake County District Attorney Sim Gill. “I would like to thank our lead prosecutors Rick Pehrson and Morgan Vedejs and their support staff for their dedication and hard work on this case. I’d also like to thank Unified Police Detective Dane Cannavo for working on this case for two years to help collect evidence and ensure our prosecutors had what they needed for a successful prosecution.”