CRIME, POLICE + COURTS

Police give more information in WVC shooting that killed teen

Feb 6, 2019, 5:37 PM | Updated: Dec 30, 2022, 11:28 am

(Photo Credit: Spenser Heaps, Deseret News, Feb. 5, 2019)...

(Photo Credit: Spenser Heaps, Deseret News, Feb. 5, 2019)

(Photo Credit: Spenser Heaps, Deseret News, Feb. 5, 2019)

WEST VALLEY – The friends and family of a 15-year-old boy who was shot and killed in West Valley last night are holding a vigil in his honor tonight.  Meanwhile, we’re getting a clearer picture about what led up to the shooting.

Police say the witnesses inside the home where it happened insist it was an accident.  However, West Valley PD Spokesperson Roxeanne Vainuku says the 14-year-old suspect had been handling the weapon before firing.

“At one point, he pointed that weapon toward the 15-year-old and pulled the trigger,” she says.

Whether or not the suspect had intended to harm Marquez Grajada is not known.  Vainuku says it took them a while to find the suspect since he left the home after it happened.

“It took us a little while to get through interviewing the witnesses who were there at the house to figure out that this 14-year-old had been there as well.  We were able to track him down,” Vainuku adds.

Officers also executed a search warrant on the house where the shooting happened.

Vainuku says, “We were able to locate two guns inside the house, but, right now, it’s not clear whether either of those guns was the one used in the actual shooting.”

The alleged shooter was booked into the juvenile facility on criminal homicide charges.

“That charge allows for the possibility of that this could have just been negligence, and it also allows for the possibility that this could have been intentional,” according to Vainuku.

We want to hear from you.

Have a story idea or tip? Send it to the KSL NewsRadio team here.

Today’s Top Stories

Crime, Police + Courts

A video recorded by Facebook user Larry Jacquez shows the police response following the shooting in...

Jamiel Lynch, CNN     

At least 3 people killed and 2 officers wounded in a shooting in Farmington, New Mexico, police say

Multiple people were shot and at least three killed in a shooting in Farmington, New Mexico, police said in a Facebook post.

12 months ago

slcpd on the scene of the deaths...

Josh Ellis

Police: Teen killed by father in murder-suicide in SLC office building

Police responded to the office complex near 3000 S. Highland Drive on Saturday after emergency responders received a call from a community member who reported finding a body.

12 months ago

a police car is pictured...

Mark Jones

SLCPD investigating suspious death, seeks public’s assistance

SALT LAKE CITY — Salt Lake City police say a body found Sunday morning in downtown is considered to be a suspicious death. Police were called to the area of 536 S. 200 West just after 11 a.m. Once on scene, officers confirmed the individual, who was found in a field, to be deceased. Information […]

12 months ago

The new Utah State Correctional Facility is pictured in Salt Lake City on Thursday, June 30, 2022. ...

Mark Jones

State Correctional Facility placed on temporary lockdown

The Utah State Correctional Facility was placed on temporary lockdown Saturday following a fight with several inmates.

12 months ago

The Salt Lake City Police Department is investigating the deaths of two people. Their bodies were f...

Mark Jones

SLCPD investigating after two bodies found inside an office complex

Salt Lake City police are investigating the discovery of two bodies found Saturday inside an office complex near 3000 S. Highland Drive.

12 months ago

Unified police...

Mark Jones

Woman dies in hiking accident in Big Cottonwood Canyon

Unified Police say a 34-year-old woman died Friday following a hiking accident in Big Cottonwood Canyon.

12 months ago

Sponsored Articles

close up of rose marvel saliva blooms in purple...

Shannon Cavalero

Drought Tolerant Perennials for Utah

The best drought tolerant plants for Utah can handle high elevations, alkaline soils, excessive exposure to wind, and use of secondary water.

Group of cheerful team members high fiving each other...

Visit Bear Lake

How To Plan a Business Retreat in Bear Lake This Spring

Are you wondering how to plan a business retreat this spring? Read our sample itinerary to plan a team getaway to Bear Lake.

Cheerful young woman writing an assignment while sitting at desk between two classmates during clas...

BYU EMBA at the Marriott School of Business

Hear it Firsthand: 6 Students Share Their Executive MBA Experience at BYU’s Marriott School of Business

The Executive MBA program at BYU offers great opportunities. Hear experiences straight from students enrolled in the program.

Skier being towed by a rider on a horse. Skijoring....

Bear Lake Convention and Visitors Bureau

Looking for a New Winter Activity? Try Skijoring in Bear Lake

Skijoring is when someone on skis is pulled by a horse, dog, animal, or motor vehicle. The driver leads the skiers through an obstacle course over jumps, hoops, and gates.

Banner with Cervical Cancer Awareness Realistic Ribbon...

Intermountain Health

Five Common Causes of Cervical Cancer – and What You Can Do to Lower Your Risk

January is National Cervical Cancer Awareness month and cancer experts at Intermountain Health are working to educate women about cervical cancer.

Kid holding a cisco fish at winterfest...

Bear Lake Convention and Visitors Bureau

Get Ready for Fun at the 2023 Bear Lake Monster Winterfest

The Bear Lake Monster Winterfest is an annual weekend event jam-packed full of fun activities the whole family can enjoy.

Police give more information in WVC shooting that killed teen