WEST VALLEY CITY, Utah — Police have arrested a suspect Wednesday in connection with the fatal shooting of a 14-year-old boy in West Valley City.
Romeo Rodriguez. Image courtesy the Rodriguez family.
Romeo Rodriguez, 14, suffered a gunshot wound to the face August 2 in West Valley City, and he died at a hospital several hours later.
Wednesday, police arrested 18-year-old Frank Tsinnijinnie and booked him into the Salt Lake County Jail for a charge of murder, according to a press release from the West Valley City Police Department.
Police say the shooting occurred in the area of 1330 West Rothchild Drive as Romeo rode as a passenger in a vehicle occupied by several people. That group encountered another group of people, and police say at least one shot was fired as a result of that encounter.
“At this time it appears that this confrontation began as a result of perceived gang affiliation,” the press release states.
Romeo was struck one time in the face and suffered critical injuries. He was taken to a hospital around 3 a.m. on August 2, and the teen died due to his injuries later that afternoon.
Fox 13 News will update this story as more details emerge.
