OGDEN, Utah — The father of one of the teens arrested in connection with the fatal shooting of Ben Lomond High School student Mason Caballero earlier this month is now facing obstruction of justice charges, prosecutors announced Wednesday.
Fernando Renteria, 41, of Roy, was charged in 2nd District Court with two counts of obstruction of justice, both second-degree felonies, according to newly filed court documents.
Investigators allege that Renteria helped his teenage son flee Utah after the Oct. 7 shooting, which left 16-year-old Mason Caballero dead near the school’s athletic complex in Ogden. Police say Renteria then lied to investigators about his son’s whereabouts.
According to charging documents, Renteria assisted his son in escaping to Las Vegas shortly after the shooting, obstructing the ongoing investigation. His alleged actions came amid a multi-state manhunt involving several law enforcement agencies.
Officials have clarified that Renteria is not related to 16-year-old Isaias Emanuel Carranza, who was arrested on Oct. 11 and is being charged as an adult with aggravated murder and 28 additional counts in connection with Caballero’s death.
Police say Carranza was one of multiple suspects involved in the incident that occurred just outside Ben Lomond High School. The shooting prompted a large police response and temporary lockdowns as investigators secured the scene and searched for suspects.
A second juvenile suspect was arrested days later in Denver on Oct. 13 and has since been transferred to a Utah juvenile detention facility. Formal charges against that teen are still pending, so his name has not been released.
The shooting of Caballero shocked the Ogden community and reignited local discussions about youth violence, school safety, and gang-related activity in northern Utah.
Renteria’s case adds another layer to the unfolding investigation. Prosecutors allege that his interference hindered authorities’ efforts to quickly apprehend those responsible. If convicted, he faces up to 15 years in prison on each obstruction count.
Authorities have not released additional details about whether more arrests or charges are expected. The investigation remains ongoing.
