A suspect has been arrested following an investigation into a January 2026 shooting in the Rose Park area. Detectives with the Salt Lake City Police Department Homicide Squad arrested 32-year-old John Vea Uasike Jr. in connection with the incident.
The investigation began on Wednesday, January 7, 2026, after officers responded to a reported shooting at 660 North Redwood Road. Upon arrival, police found eight individuals who had been shot in the parking lot of a church. Two victims died at the scene.
Detectives identified Uasike as a suspect through physical evidence, witness statements, and anonymous tips. Uasike was located and arrested in California and is currently awaiting extradition to Salt Lake City.
Upon extradition, Uasike will be booked into the Salt Lake County Metro Jail. The charges include two counts of homicide, two counts of felony discharge of a firearm resulting in serious bodily injury, one count of felony discharge of a firearm resulting in bodily injury, and possession of a firearm by a restricted person.
Detectives believe other individuals may be involved in the case and are urging witnesses to provide information that could help with further arrests.
