The two people killed in the Jan. 7 Salt Lake City shooting have been identified as Sione Vatuvei, 38, and Vaea Tulikihihifo, 46. The gunfire followed a dispute outside an LDS meetinghouse during a funeral service; two were killed and six wounded. Family members said Vatuvei had been pursuing a career as a social media influencer, while Tulikihihifo — a new father — was shot while rushing to his car to fetch baby formula. Police say suspects remain at large but have solid leads; at least three victims were in critical condition as of Jan. 8.
Salt Lake City Funeral Shooting: Victims Identified — Aspiring Influencer and New Father Killed
Salt Lake City PoliceCredit: Salt Lake City Police
Authorities have identified the two people killed in the mass shooting that erupted outside a Salt Lake City meetinghouse on the morning of Wednesday, Jan. 7. The victims were named as Sione Vatuvei, 38, and Vaea Tulikihihifo, 46. Local reports say the shooting followed an argument that broke out during a funeral service at a local meetinghouse of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
Victims and Family Accounts
Family members told local media that Vatuvei had been working to become a social media influencer. “He was becoming a light,” Isileli Tuiaki, identified by ABC 4 as a relative of both victims, said. “He was paving a way to those who might’ve had addictions or any type of problem.”
Tulikihihifo’s family described him as a new father and an innocent bystander. According to The Salt Lake City Tribune, he was running to his family’s car to get baby formula for his five-month-old when he was struck by gunfire. “Why him? We just don’t understand,” Kalo Nau, identified as Tulikihihifo’s first cousin, told the paper. “He was just an innocent bystander. This is such a senseless act.”
Salt Lake City PoliceCredit: Salt Lake City Police
Police Update
The Salt Lake City Police Department said in an update on the night of Jan. 8 that two people were killed and six others were wounded, and that at least three of the injured remained in critical condition. Investigators have described the incident as stemming from a dispute between individuals outside the building rather than a targeted attack on worshippers.
“The suspects are still outstanding, but our officers have obtained solid leads and are working to locate those involved,” the department said.
Salt Lake City Mayor Erin Mendenhall called the shooting “especially heartbreaking” because it occurred outside a house of worship during a celebration of life. “This tragedy never should have happened,” she said.
Investigation Ongoing
Police continue to investigate and asked anyone with information or video of the area around the meetinghouse on the morning of Jan. 7 to come forward. The community and victims’ families remain in shock as authorities pursue leads to identify and apprehend the suspects.
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