A 19-year-old man has been arrested in connection with a deadly Halloween shooting in West Valley City that claimed the lives of two teenagers. Police say Yonis Muktar faces a charge of Conspiracy to Commit Murder and is being held without bail as investigators continue to piece together what led to the fatal gunfire on October 31.
Altercation Leads to Gunfire at Halloween Party
The shooting happened near 2600 West Westshire Drive, where a Halloween party was underway. Police say an altercation broke out, leading Muktar to allegedly call friends for assistance, knowing the confrontation would likely turn violent.
Shots were later fired toward a vehicle leaving the scene with two teenagers inside. As the wounded victims were being driven to the hospital, their vehicle crashed in Murray, prompting officers and medical crews to respond.
Seventeen-year-old Javen Welcher died inside the vehicle. The second victim, a 17-year-old girl, was rushed to the hospital in critical condition but later died of her injuries. Detectives confirmed that both teens suffered gunshot wounds.
Social Media Video Posted One Hour After Shooting
Investigators say Muktar posted a video to social media at 1:10 a.m. on November 1—about an hour after the shooting. In the clip, he is allegedly heard boasting:
“It takes me one word, one phone call just to get a guy killed,”
while also referencing the “3100-block” gang.
The discovery of the video became a critical piece of evidence for detectives as they evaluated Muktar’s involvement.
For information about how gang-related evidence is evaluated in federal cases, the U.S. Department of Justice provides detailed guidelines on violent crime investigations.
Police Say Muktar Later Admitted Role in Incident
During his first interview with police, Muktar denied any involvement. However, detectives say he later admitted to calling for help and identified other people who participated in the violence. No additional arrests have been made, but investigators say the case remains active.
As of Thursday night, Muktar is the only person in custody connected to the fatal shooting. Detectives continue to review surveillance videos, social media activity, and witness statements.
Families of both teenage victims remain devastated, calling the deaths senseless and preventable.
For broader public safety resources on youth violence and prevention, the National Crime Prevention Council offers nationwide programs and guidance.
