Utah Unseals Charges After Arrest of Suspected Gunman in Salt Lake Church Funeral Shooting

Overview

• The district attorney unsealed the case Monday after police arrested 32-year-old John Vea Uasike Jr. in California on April 14.
• Uasike is charged with two counts of murder and several gun felonies, and prosecutors are seeking his extradition to Utah.
• Charging papers say he pulled a gun from a black SUV, fired into the air, then shot toward the church and funeral crowd, killing Sione Vatuvei and Vaea Tulikihihifo and injuring others.
• Investigators report that someone fired back, and records say Uasike was treated for a gunshot wound before leaving for California.
• Police say the probe remains active and they believe more people were involved, with tips requested at 801-799-3000.