Murder Charges Filed in Murray City Drive-by Shooting

Today, Salt Lake County District Attorney Sim Gill announced charges have been filed against Raoul Bedoang for the alleged murder of Abdiaziz Abdirahman, serious bodily injury of a 14-year-old male, and injuring of two additional individuals.

On May 30, 2024, witness R.B. was approached by a group of males that were asking if he knew who Raoul Bedoang was. R.B. told the group he knew who Mr. Bedoang was. R.B. then called the defendant to let him know a group was looking for him. Later that afternoon, the defendant and two other individuals arrived at R.B.’s home and asked for a ride to go look for the other group. Mr. Bedoang claimed they wanted to play basketball with them. R.B. drove Mr. Bedoang and the two other individuals in his car to look for the group. The defendant was in the front passenger seat, with R.B. driving and the two other individuals in the backseat. As they approached the intersection of Fireclay Avenue and Birkhill Boulevard, they noticed the group of males. The defendant then allegedly rolled down his window and rapidly fired 18 bullets at the group.

The victim, Abdiaziz Abdirahman, was struck multiple times, including twice in the head. The 14-year-old male was struck several times in the back and is possibly paralyzed. A third victim has a gunshot wound to his index finger that requires surgery, and a fourth uninvolved bystander was grazed by a bullet.

The defendant is charged with one count of first-degree felony murder; four counts of first-degree felony discharge of a firearm with serious bodily injury; one count of second-degree felony discharge of a firearm with bodily injury; 12 counts of third-degree felony discharge of a firearm; and one count of retaliation against a witness, victim, or informant.

“This was a senseless, violent act that could have harmed far more than those tragically hurt. This prosecution leaves notice that such behavior will be aggressively met and those involved held accountable. We grieve the loss of Abdiaziz Abdirahman and the others that were injured. We hope the filing of these charges will allow the family of Mr. Abdirahman to begin the healing process,” said Salt Lake County District Attorney Sim Gill. “I also want to thank Murray City Police Department for their investigative work and for helping us prepare this case for filing. All persons accused of wrongdoing are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.”