Authorities have arrested a suspect in connection with the shooting death of 71-year-old veteran James Randell Witten, who was killed in West Point, Utah, in late May. The arrest follows an investigation into the homicide of the former U.S. Air Force Master Sergeant.
Life and Service of Randy Witten
James Randell 'Randy' Witten, a resident of West Point, was killed on May 30, 2026. According to an obituary from Russon Mortuary & Crematory, Witten was murdered by unknown persons in the West Point area.
Witten was a 20-year veteran of the United States Air Force, having served during the Vietnam War, Operation Desert Storm, and the Granada campaign. He retired with the rank of E-7 Master Sergeant, having held significant responsibilities in security and as a First Sergeant.
His military career included assignments at several locations, such as McConnell Air Force Base in Wichita, Kansas; Bullis Air Disks in San Antonio, Texas; Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio, Texas; and Dyess Air Force Base in Abilene, Texas. He also served in Germany and Sicily.
Witten's military decorations were extensive, including the Meritorious Service Medal, the Air Force Commiente Medal with one device, the Air Force Outstanding Unit Award with two devices, and the Air Force Organizational Excellence Award with one device. His service also earned him the Air Force Good Conduct Medal with five devices, the National Defense Service Medal, the NCO Professional Military Education Graduate Ribbon with two devices, the Small Arms Expert Marksmanship Ribbon, and the Air Force Training Ribbon.
Beyond his military service, Witten was a lifelong learner who held an Associate degree, a Bachelor’s degree in criminology, and a Master’s degree in management. He was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, having been baptized on September 25, 2021, and sealed to his wife, Maria, on January 17, 2023.
He is survived by his wife, Maria, and several children: Jamie Nicole Witten (married to Chris Quick), Steve (married to Jen), Angie Barchus, and Stephen Phelan (married to Betnelan). He also leaves behind a large extended family including siblings Jen Chandler, Lori Land, Janet Land, Donnell Groves, Bobby Procter, Chip Freeman, Brandon Freeman, and Richard Wheeler.
Davis County Law Enforcement Oversight
The investigation into the West Point shooting falls under the jurisdiction of the Davis County Sheriff’s Office. The agency, led by Sheriff Kelly V. Sparks, provides law enforcement and media updates for the county.
Sheriff Sparks, who was elected in 2018 and sworn into office in January 2019, oversees the department alongside several chief deputies. The agency's leadership includes Chief Deputy of Administration Arnold Butcher, Chief Deputy of Corrections Andrew Oblad, and Chief Deputy of Law Enforcement Taylor West.
Chief Deputy West, a 25-year veteran of law enforcement, manages the dispatch center, courts, investigations, crime lab, and patrol. His previous experience includes serving as a homicide detective and undercover narcotics detective with the Salt Lake City Police Department.
Ongoing County Operations
The Davis County Sheriff’s Office continues to manage various community needs and public information. The agency maintains active communication with the community through social media and emergency notification systems like Everbridge.
