Tragedy Strikes WestFest: Infant Among Three Killed in West Valley City Shooting
WEST VALLEY CITY, Utah — June 15, 2025 — A joyous summer evening meant to celebrate community unity was shattered by gunfire Sunday night, as a mass shooting at Centennial Park during the annual WestFest festival left three people dead — including an 8-month-old infant — and several others injured.
According to the West Valley City Police Department, the violence erupted just after 9:20 p.m. following a verbal dispute between two groups of individuals attending the festival. As police officers began to intervene and attempt to de-escalate the situation, a 16-year-old male pulled out a firearm and began shooting toward the opposing group.
In the chaos that followed, five individuals were struck by gunfire. Authorities confirmed that an 18-year-old male, a 41-year-old woman, and an 8-month-old baby succumbed to their injuries and were pronounced dead. The young man was part of the group engaged in the conflict with the shooter. Heartbreakingly, police said the woman and infant were bystanders, having no connection to either group involved in the dispute.
Two more victims — a 17-year-old female and a 15-year-old male — sustained gunshot wounds to their arms. It remains unclear whether they were participants in the original altercation or innocent bystanders caught in the crossfire. Additionally, a pregnant woman sustained injuries while attempting to climb a fence to escape the area during the shooting.
An officer on the scene returned fire during the incident but did not strike the suspect. The 16-year-old shooter was quickly apprehended and taken into custody without further incident. Police stated that he is believed to be the sole individual responsible for the deadly gunfire. His name has not been released due to his age.
Roxeanne Vainuku, public information officer for the West Valley City Police Department, expressed deep sorrow and frustration over the tragedy, especially as it occurred at a beloved community celebration.
“It’s heartbreaking, I think for all of us, to see something like this happen at something that is just a real treasure — something that we really enjoy in our community,” said Vainuku.
WestFest, an annual celebration of West Valley City’s diversity, culture, and families, had drawn hundreds of residents to Centennial Park for live music, food, games, and fireworks. Instead, the evening turned tragic in a matter of seconds, leaving families traumatized and a community grappling with the aftermath of senseless violence.
The shooting marks one of the most tragic mass casualty events in the city’s recent history. Community members and local leaders have already begun to express grief, solidarity, and calls for healing.
Support services, including trauma counselors and crisis responders, have been made available to those affected by the tragedy. City officials said they are working with police and mental health professionals to ensure support is provided in the coming days.
Area detectives continue to investigate the shooting, and no further details have been released about the motive behind the altercation. Authorities are also asking anyone with video footage or additional information about the events leading up to the gunfire to come forward.
As West Valley City mourns, a growing memorial of flowers, candles, and toys is forming near the site of the shooting — a solemn testament to the lives lost and the deep pain that now permeates what was meant to be a joyful community gathering.
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