Kearns funeral shooting investigation

On August 17, a shooting occurred outside a Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints stake center during a funeral in Kearns, Utah. The incident left one person dead and two others in critical condition. Following the gunfire, police engaged in a pursuit of a fleeing vehicle in West Valley City. The violence prompted local schools to enter secure protocols and caused the temporary closure of the Intermountain Medical Center campus.

By August 27, prosecutors charged four individuals in connection with the shooting, which they described as an escalation of an “old quarrel between two families.” The deceased was identified as 18-year-old Vilisoni “Soni” Angilau, while his twin brother, Vita Angilau, was among the critically injured.

Charges were filed against 17-year-old Taitusi Kai Manatau and his father, Afuhia Masiu Manatau, for murder and firearm-related offenses. Prosecutors allege the father provided the weapon used in the attack. Two other individuals, Heneli Suli Grall and Tevita Siope Tonga Kofe, were charged with obstruction of justice for allegedly assisting in removing the firearm and helping the suspect flee the scene.