A man linked to the recent deadly shooting outside a church in Salt Lake City has made his first court appearance.
Ryan Daniel Toutai, 32, was arrested on January 13 and is now facing serious legal trouble for allegedly trying to hide the truth about what happened that night. His case has caught public attention, especially as more disturbing details come to light.
Ryan Toutai Faces Obstruction Charge in Church Shooting Case
Toutai is not currently charged with firing a weapon or killing anyone, but he has been booked for obstruction of justice. This means he is accused of lying to the police or hiding important information connected to the case. The shooting took place outside a Salt Lake City church and left two people dead and six others injured.
During his first court hearing, which he attended remotely, the judge told Toutai he would get a public defender and also mentioned that Toutai was not eligible for bail at the moment.
A detention hearing was scheduled for February 2, where his lawyer can argue why he should be released on bail, while the prosecution will try to prove why he should stay behind bars until the trial.
What the Police Found at the Crime Scene
According to police reports:
- Multiple victims were found with gunshot wounds in the church parking lot.
- Others turned up at local hospitals soon after.
- Officers recovered a handgun, used bullet casings, and a blue Los Angeles Dodgers cap from the scene.
Interestingly, surveillance video showed a man wearing a Dodgers hat, which officers believe was Toutai.
Toutai’s Story Doesn’t Match Evidence, Say Police
When questioned, Toutai told police that he took an Uber to the church and was inside the building when shots were fired. He denied having a gun, denied knowing what happened, and even claimed he didn’t know what happened to his Dodgers hat, which was later found at the scene.
However, the police found inconsistencies in his story:
- Multiple witnesses described a man matching Toutai’s appearance being involved in the shooting.
- Tips from the public claimed he had a confrontation in the church parking lot before shots were fired.
- Videos from his own phone reportedly show him carrying a gun similar to the one found at the scene.
- Additional footage allegedly shows him driving with another man who was later shot.
Further Video Evidence Raises Questions
Videos taken by witnesses show Toutai walking toward the church with two other men, both of whom were involved in the altercation and later found injured.
One of these men was later seen at a hospital with a gunshot wound. When the police pointed out all this evidence, including his hat found at the crime scene, Toutai still continued to deny any involvement.
Police later searched his vehicle at the time of arrest and found a loaded gun hidden under a seat.
What Happens Next in the Case
Toutai’s next court appearance is set for February 2, when the judge will decide if he can be released on bail. Meanwhile, investigators are still working to uncover the full truth about what happened on that deadly night. The second man allegedly involved in the shooting has not yet made a public court appearance.
