CRIME, POLICE + COURTS
Riverton man charged with murder in road rage incident
Nov 4, 2022, 8:30 PM | Updated: Dec 29, 2022, 11:22 am
An investigation began Tuesday night when emergency dispatchers received a 911 call stating that a man was "in the Bryce Canyon National Park women's facility in the shower stall recording females as they were showering. (Getty Images)
(Getty Images)
SALT LAKE CITY — A 32-year-old Riverton man was charged Friday in Third District Court with first degree murder following a road rage incident last month.
According to court documents, Rodrigo Andres Monroy allegedly shot and killed Christopher Mortensen following a road rage incident on Oct. 26. The incident took place at a gas station in the area of 106 W. 10600 South.
Prior to the incident, court documents state the two drivers were traveling on I-15 when Monroy’s vehicle pulled in front of Mortensen. Monroy then slammed on the breaks. Mortensen, who was hauling a large trailer, had to hit his breaks abruptly to avoid a crash.
Riverton man and victim exited the freeway
After the two exchanged unpleasantries, they both exited I-15 at 10600 South.
Court documents state both vehicles stopped in front of a Maverik. It further states, that Mortensen went back to Monroy’s vehicle. He then hit his hand against the window on the driver’s side.
Monroy then pulled a handgun on Mortensen, who attempted to disarm Monroy, but was unsuccessful.
Court documents further state that Mortensen then backed up with his hands visible and said “No”. Mortensen was standing 1 to 2 feet away from the suspect’s vehicle in a defensive position at the time of the incident.
Mortensen was then shot once in the chest, according to the court documents.
Post Miranda interview
In a post-Miranda interview, Monroy admitted to police that he had pulled in front of Mortensen and had break-checked him. He also admitted to following the victim off the freeway.
Court documents also state Monroy told police that he was aware that Mortensen was not armed at the time he was shot.
Originally, the suspect told police that the gun fired as the two were struggling for control of it. Later, Monroy changed his statement that the alleged shooting did not occur until after he had gained control of the weapon.
Prosecutors have requested that Monroy be held without bail.
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