A shocking shooting outside a Salt Lake City church has left the community shaken. Two people lost their lives and six others were injured in the tragic incident. Now, a man linked to the case is set to face the court, as investigators continue to uncover details about what happened that night.
Who Is the Man Arrested in the Church Shooting Case
The man arrested is 32-year-old Ryan Daniel Toutai. He was taken into custody earlier this month on charges of obstruction of justice.
According to court documents, on the night of the January 7 shooting, Toutai first told police officers that he had not seen what happened. However, he quickly changed his statement and admitted that he saw “the bodies drop.”
Toutai told officers he had gone to the church to attend a funeral service. He said that after giving a speech inside the church, he stepped outside to smoke a cigarette.
While outside, he claimed he saw a woman who had been shot fall to the ground and heard several gunshots. Still, he insisted that he did not see who fired the shots and did not know who was responsible.
What Witnesses Told Police
As police continued their investigation, they spoke with other witnesses who were present during the incident. These witnesses shared more detailed accounts of what they saw. They told investigators that several men were involved in an argument before the gunfire started.
Witnesses also gave descriptions of one of the shooters. They said the person was wearing all black clothing, had a blue bandana around his neck, and was wearing a blue or black baseball cap. This information became an important part of the investigation.
Clothing, Evidence, and Video Footage
Detectives later obtained photos and videos from inside the church. According to police, these images showed Toutai wearing clothes that matched the descriptions provided by witnesses. This raised further suspicion.
Officers also found a blue Los Angeles Dodgers hat at the scene of the shooting. Toutai later claimed that the hat belonged to him and that he had lost it. This detail added another link between him and the scene.
During a follow-up interview, Toutai again denied being involved in the shooting. He told investigators that he did not fire a gun, did not touch a gun, and did not possess a gun that night.
What Police Found on His Phone
The investigation took a serious turn when police obtained a search warrant for Toutai’s phone. On the device, they reportedly found two videos recorded on the same day as the shooting. These videos allegedly showed Toutai displaying two pistols.
Investigators were able to trace the serial number of one of the guns seen in the videos. That serial number matched a gun that was later recovered from the church’s parking lot after the shooting. This discovery strengthened the case against him.
Court documents also reveal that when police arrested Toutai, they found a loaded handgun hidden under the seat of the vehicle he was in.
Why Prosecutors Want Him Held Without Bail
Because of the seriousness of the case, investigators have asked the court to hold Toutai without bail. They pointed to his alleged connection with the Tongan Crip Gang and his frequent travel between Utah and California as reasons for concern. Authorities believe these factors could make him a risk if released.
His first court appearance is scheduled for Friday at 10:00 a.m., where more details about the case and possible next steps are expected to emerge.
Key Facts at a Glance
Here is a simple overview of the case for better understanding:
- Incident: Shooting outside a Salt Lake City church
- Date of shooting: January 7
- Victims: 2 killed, 6 injured
- Suspect arrested: Ryan Daniel Toutai, 32
- Charges so far: Obstruction of justice
- Evidence mentioned by police: Witness statements, matching clothing, videos on phone, gun linked by serial number
- Next court date: Friday at 10:00 a.m.
