Four men have been apprehended in relation to the fatal shooting of a 17-year-old girl in Iron County. The suspects, Michael Edward Hess-Witacki, 23; Ethan Andrew Galloway, 23; Aldric S. Felipe, 21; and Matthew D. Sorber-Petri, 22, were taken into custody following the incident. Hess-Witacki and Galloway are facing charges of murder and 12 counts of firearm discharge resulting in serious injury, obstruction of justice, possession of a controlled substance, and possession of a dangerous weapon by a restricted person. Felipe and Sorber-Petri are under investigation for obstruction of justice, possession of a controlled substance, and involvement in a firearm transaction as restricted persons.
According to Iron County Sheriff Ken Carpenter, the teenage victim and her 18-year-old companion were driving in a red truck when they were pursued by a black truck. At approximately 10:42 p.m., the black truck pulled up next to the teenagers’ vehicle and opened fire. A total of twelve shots were fired from the black truck, as stated in a police booking affidavit supporting the arrests of the four men.
The gunfire caused the driver of the red truck to lose control, resulting in the vehicle swerving off the road, crashing through a fence, and coming to a halt around 100 feet northwest of the intersection of Midvalley Road and 4300 West. The passenger in the truck suffered a shrapnel injury to her leg and was able to call 911. Despite lifesaving efforts, the teenage driver succumbed to multiple gunshot wounds at the scene. Her identity has not been disclosed.
The surviving passenger informed investigators that they first encountered the black truck at a townhome complex at 1645 N. 3200 West. During a search of the complex, deputies discovered a black 2018 Chevrolet Silverado pickup truck matching the description provided by the witness. The truck was registered to Hess-Witucki.
Multiple witnesses corroborated the surviving passenger’s account, providing investigators with surveillance footage that placed the suspect vehicle in the vicinity of the crime scene during the reported timeframe. Search warrants were obtained for the vehicle and the residence where it was parked. Hess-Witacki, Galloway, and Sorber-Petri were detained as they attempted to leave the residence.
During the search, several firearms and ammunition matching the caliber used in the crime were recovered, along with controlled substances and drug paraphernalia. In subsequent interviews, both Hess-Witacki and Galloway confessed to their involvement in the crime. Hess-Witacki admitted to driving the vehicle while Galloway confessed to shooting at the victim’s vehicle. Both suspects justified their actions by claiming they believed the victims were stalking them.
The investigation revealed that the victims and suspects were at the same townhome complex for unrelated reasons. Galloway wrote a letter of apology to the victim’s parents, explaining his actions. Sorber-Petri admitted to providing the firearm used in the crime, while Felipe was aware of the intended confrontation.
Sheriff Carpenter expressed his condolences to the families of the victims, stating, “They were just being teenagers having fun, and someone violently attacked them and ended their life for no apparent reason at this point. We are dedicated to finding them. We are coming after them, and we will hold them accountable when we find them.”