Tragedy at WestFest: Teen, Mother, and Infant Killed in Mass Shooting at Utah Carnival as 16-Year-Old Suspect Opens Fire

WEST VALLEY CITY, Utah — June 16, 2025 — What was meant to be a night of community celebration turned into one of profound tragedy on Sunday night as gunfire shattered the peace at the annual WestFest carnival at Centennial Park. Authorities have now identified the three individuals who lost their lives in the senseless mass shooting: 18-year-old Hassan Lugundi, 41-year-old Fnu Reena, and an 8-month-old infant whose name has not been released.

The deadly incident unfolded at approximately 9:20 p.m. near the intersection of 5600 West and 3100 South, sending families and festivalgoers into a state of chaos and fear. According to West Valley City Police spokesperson Roxeanne Vainuku, officers patrolling the area observed a heated argument between two groups near the edge of the festival grounds. As police attempted to intervene, a 16-year-old male from one of the groups suddenly pulled a firearm and opened fire.

The eruption of gunfire caused immediate panic. One officer discharged his weapon in response but did not strike the suspect. In the chaos that followed, five people were hit by gunfire, including bystanders who had no connection to the conflict.

Victims Identified, Community in Mourning

Among those killed was Hassan Lugundi, 18, who was reportedly a member of the group that came under attack. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

Also fatally wounded were Fnu Reena, a 41-year-old woman, and an 8-month-old baby. Authorities have confirmed that neither of them were involved in the altercation and were simply attending the festival. Both were rushed to nearby hospitals in critical condition but sadly succumbed to their injuries.

West Valley police also confirmed that Reena and the baby were not related to one another, nor did they have any ties to the two feuding groups, making their deaths all the more devastating.

Two other teenagers were shot and injured during the exchange:

• A 17-year-old girl
• A 15-year-old boy

Both teens suffered non-life-threatening gunshot wounds to their arms. Investigators are working to determine whether either of them were participants in the initial altercation or were bystanders caught in the crossfire.

Additionally, a pregnant woman sustained injuries while attempting to flee the scene. She reportedly tried to scale a fence in an effort to escape the shooting. Her current medical condition remains undisclosed.

16-Year-Old Suspect in Custody

The 16-year-old shooter was apprehended at the scene by police without further incident. He is now in custody and being interviewed by detectives. At this stage, authorities have not publicly released the suspect’s name due to his age, and it remains unclear whether he will be charged as an adult.

Police are still working to uncover the motive behind the shooting. Investigators have not confirmed whether the incident was gang-related, though it remains a possibility under active consideration.

A City Reeling from Grief

The WestFest event, an annual celebration cherished by the West Valley community for its family-friendly atmosphere and vibrant cultural programming, was immediately shut down in the aftermath of the shooting.

“This is a heartbreaking and senseless act of violence that has deeply impacted our community,” said police spokesperson Roxeanne Vainuku during a press briefing. “We are committed to a thorough investigation and to bringing justice to the victims and their families.”

City leaders echoed those sentiments, expressing shock and sorrow while emphasizing the need for healing and resilience. Officials are now coordinating with local organizations to offer grief counseling and trauma support to victims’ families and members of the community.

Public Urged to Share Information

The West Valley City Police Department is asking anyone who may have witnessed the shooting or captured photos or video footage of the incident to come forward. Community cooperation is seen as crucial in piecing together exactly what led to the outburst of violence.

Residents who were at the festival and may be struggling emotionally are encouraged to reach out to city-sponsored mental health resources. Mobile counseling units and crisis response teams are being dispatched to various neighborhoods throughout the week.

A Shattered Sense of Safety

What began as a festive Sunday evening filled with laughter, games, and community spirit ended in an unimaginable tragedy. For those who attended WestFest and for the families of those who were killed and injured, the grief is profound.

As West Valley City mourns the loss of innocent lives — including an infant whose life had barely begun — there is an outpouring of calls for justice, safety, and healing.

“This kind of violence has no place in our city, in our neighborhoods, or at a family festival,” said one tearful community member who attended a vigil outside Centennial Park on Monday morning. “We need to come together, not only to grieve but to ensure this never happens again.”

The investigation is ongoing.