A tragic Halloween night shooting in West Valley City, Utah, has now claimed two young lives. Police confirmed Wednesday that a 15-year-old girl critically injured in the incident has died from her wounds. The shooting also killed 17-year-old Javen Ryan “Bug” Welcher, whose family and friends are mourning the loss of what they described as a “bright, kind-hearted soul.”
The shooting occurred late Friday outside a home near 2600 West and Westshire Drive, where a Halloween party had turned chaotic. According to West Valley City Police, officers responded just before midnight to reports of a loud party and gunfire. Investigators say a fight inside the home spilled into the street, where multiple people began shooting before fleeing the scene.
Two Lives Lost, No Arrests Yet
When police arrived, they found no suspects but learned that victims were being rushed to hospitals by bystanders. Shortly after, a crash was reported near 5300 South State Street, involving vehicles carrying the injured teens. Welcher and the 15-year-old girl were both discovered in the cars. Welcher was pronounced dead shortly after arrival at the hospital, while the girl remained in critical condition until Wednesday, when police confirmed her passing.
As of Wednesday afternoon, no arrests had been made, and investigators have not released details about potential suspects or motives. Police say they are reviewing evidence and interviewing witnesses from the party.
Remembering Javen “Bug” Welcher
Welcher’s family described him as a charismatic teenager with big dreams. “He was known for his ‘bougie’ style and his handsome smirk,” his family wrote in his obituary. “Javen loved making people laugh, cared deeply for his friends and family, and had dreams of becoming a barber.”
Friends and community members flooded social media with messages of grief and remembrance. One commenter wrote, “Oh, what an awesome kid Javen was. Always watching out for his mom and flashing that little smirky smile.” Another posted, “A young life taken too soon. Watch over your mama, Javen. She’s strong, but this will be the hardest thing she’s ever faced.”
A public viewing for Javen is scheduled for Wednesday evening, where family and friends will gather to honor his life.
National Organization to Honor Victim
The Youth Peace and Justice Foundation — a national nonprofit focused on ending youth violence — announced that it will plant a tree in Javen’s memory as part of its Trees for Peace initiative. The tree will be placed in the Sawtooth National Forest in Idaho.
“Javen Welcher, an innocent victim, was killed in a shooting that has shaken his community,” the organization said in a statement. “This senseless act underscores the growing crisis of youth violence across Utah and the nation.”
A Community Searching for Answers
The Halloween shooting has left West Valley residents stunned and frustrated as police continue searching for those responsible. The area where the shooting occurred has seen occasional youth-related violence in recent years, but residents describe the incident as one of the most heartbreaking in memory.
Community leaders are calling for more engagement programs to prevent similar tragedies. “These are kids — teenagers who should have been celebrating, not dying,” one local advocate said. “We need to make sure no more families experience this pain.”
Authorities are urging anyone with information or video footage from the night of the shooting to contact West Valley City Police.
