In West Valley City, Utah, a Father’s Day celebration turned into a scene of unimaginable tragedy on the evening of June 15, 2025, when a shooting at the WestFest carnival claimed the lives of three people, including an 8-month-old boy named Anderson Garcia Cabrera Jr. For Anderson Sr. and Mehili Cabrera, the parents of the infant, what began as a joyful family outing to enjoy the vibrant festival ended in heartbreak that will forever alter their lives. The couple, who had struggled with infertility before welcoming their twin sons, had decided to stop by the carnival at Centennial Park after a routine errand. They were pushing their boys in a stroller, surrounded by the sounds of laughter, music, and carnival rides, when gunfire shattered the festive atmosphere.
The incident unfolded around 9:20 p.m. near the festival’s main entrance, just 100 yards from a police mobile command post. According to West Valley City police, officers on duty noticed a confrontation between two groups of teenagers. As they approached to intervene, a 16-year-old male from one of the groups drew a handgun and opened fire. The gunfire struck five people, three fatally. Anderson Garcia Cabrera Jr., an innocent bystander, was killed when a stray bullet hit his stroller. Hassan Lugundi, an 18-year-old believed to be the shooter’s intended target, also died at the scene. Fnu Reena, a 41-year-old woman from West Jordan, was another bystander killed in the chaos. Two other teenagers, a 17-year-old girl and a 15-year-old boy, sustained non-life-threatening gunshot wounds to their arms and were later released from the hospital. A pregnant woman was also injured while attempting to flee over a fence, though the extent of her injuries remains undisclosed.
Anderson Sr. recounted the harrowing moment when he heard the gunshots. Instinctively, he pushed his wife to safety and used his body to shield their twin sons, hoping to protect them from the gunfire. Despite his desperate efforts, Anderson Jr. was fatally wounded. The family’s GoFundMe page, created to help cover funeral costs and support their return to Guatemala to lay their son to rest, reveals the depth of their loss. Described as a joyful baby who was just beginning to crawl, Anderson Jr. was a light in their lives after years of longing for children. The family’s statement reflects their anguish: “We went to celebrate Father’s Day with our babies, and instead we left the park without our son.”
The West Valley City Police Department acted swiftly to apprehend the suspect. One officer fired a single shot at the 16-year-old shooter but missed, and the suspect was taken into custody without further incident. He now faces three counts of homicide, along with charges of attempted murder and illegal possession of a firearm. Authorities have not released his name due to his juvenile status, and Salt Lake County District Attorney Sim Gill stated that it is too early to determine whether the suspect will be tried as an adult. While initial reports suggested the shooting stemmed from a verbal altercation between two groups, police later clarified that the incident appears to have been a targeted attack on Lugundi, possibly driven by a personal grievance. Investigators are still exploring whether gang ties played a role, but no definitive motive has been confirmed.
The tragedy has left West Valley City, Utah’s second-largest city with a population of about 145,000, reeling. WestFest, a four-day festival celebrating the city’s founding and cultural diversity, is a cherished tradition featuring a carnival, parade, talent showcase, and fireworks. The shooting occurred on the final night, when an estimated 1,000 to 2,000 people were still enjoying the event. The senseless violence has sparked grief and outrage among residents, many of whom view the festival as a cornerstone of community pride. Mayor Karen Lang and the City Council issued a joint statement expressing their heartbreak: “What should have been a joyful night of community celebration ended in unimaginable tragedy. We mourn the lives lost and stand in deep sorrow with the families whose worlds have been forever changed.”
The community has rallied to support those affected. Vigils have been held across West Valley City, with candles lit in memory of the victims. Donations to the Garcia-Cabrera family’s GoFundMe have poured in, reflecting an outpouring of compassion. Grief counselors have been made available to witnesses, first responders, and residents struggling to process the trauma. Local business owners near Centennial Park expressed shock, describing the incident as a rare and devastating anomaly for the area. One employee of a nearby business called the act “dark” and out of character for the typically safe community.
The shooting has also reignited discussions about public safety and gun violence. Witnesses have voiced concerns about the lack of security measures, such as metal detectors, at the festival’s entrance. One attendee, Ivy Kanga, who was present that night, told reporters, “People should stop bringing guns to events like this. They’re supposed to be for families and kids.” Another witness described the terror of hearing gunshots and nearly suffering a panic attack. In response, city officials have pledged to review security protocols for future events, though they emphasized avoiding hasty changes. Mayor Lang underscored the city’s commitment to resilience and unity, promising to work tirelessly to prevent such tragedies.
This incident marks the second shooting at a public event in the Salt Lake City area that weekend. On Saturday, June 14, a bystander was killed during a “No Kings” protest in downtown Salt Lake City, highlighting an unusually violent period for the region. As West Valley City mourns, the focus remains on supporting the victims’ families and seeking answers. Police are urging witnesses to come forward with information, emphasizing that every detail could help bring justice. For Anderson Sr., Mehili Cabrera, and their surviving son, the road ahead is one of profound grief, but the community’s solidarity offers a glimmer of hope in the face of such a devastating loss.
