Ogden, Utah — A 15-year-old boy has been charged with murder in connection with an Aug. 31 shooting at an illegal street racing event in western Weber County, an attack that left one man dead and two others injured.
According to the Weber County Attorney’s Office, the teen—whose name is being withheld because of his age—faces multiple felony charges, including murder, possession of a firearm by a restricted person, obstruction of justice, and felony discharge of a firearm. Prosecutors are seeking to have him tried as an adult.
Third Suspect in Fatal Shooting
The 15-year-old is the third suspect charged in the deadly shooting, joining Antonio Ruiz, 17, and Michael Robles Gaisbauer, 18. Both older suspects are also facing first-degree murder charges and are accused of firing weapons during the chaotic incident.
Court documents allege that the three opened fire during a dispute at a clandestine street racing event held near 9350 West and 900 South. The competition drew a large crowd before devolving into violence following an argument between two women.
One Dead, Two Injured
Jesus Cuadras Garcia, 22, of Ogden, was fatally struck in the head by a bullet and later died from his injuries. Two others—Garcia’s young daughter and another man—were also hit by gunfire but survived, authorities said.
Police investigators recovered roughly 30 bullet casings at the scene, including 20 from 9mm handguns, suggesting multiple shooters were involved.
Charging documents indicate that the 15-year-old admitted being present and participating in the argument that preceded the gunfire but denied pulling the trigger. However, witnesses told investigators they saw him firing a weapon, and the teen reportedly admitted to discarding his handgun into nearby woods after the incident.
Prior Juvenile Record
Court records show the 15-year-old had previously been adjudicated in juvenile court for aggravated assault after allegedly shooting at another youth in Ogden in 2023. That prior case is cited by prosecutors as part of their effort to move the current charges to adult court.
Co-Defendants Await Court Dates
Gaisbauer, a resident of Perry, Box Elder County, is currently being held at the Weber County Jail, while Ruiz, of Ogden, remains in custody at the Salt Lake Valley Youth Center. Both are scheduled to appear in court on Nov. 18.
Authorities continue to investigate the broader circumstances surrounding the illegal street racing event and how the confrontation escalated into a deadly exchange of gunfire.
