On Wednesday, Salt Lake City was rocked with tragedy when a teenage girl in the Poplar Grove neighborhood was fatally shot by her brother. At around 12:04 pm, police responded to the scene in the 1600 block of West Wright Circle (505 South) to find the girl seriously injured.
Emergency responders attempted life-saving measures but were unsuccessful, and the girl was pronounced dead at the scene.
The brother had left their home before the officers arrived. Still, members of the Police Community Response Team continued their pursuit, eventually arresting him on a Utah Transit Authority bus near 1455 West and 400 South.
Though the identities of the girl and her brother have not been disclosed, it is known that he is underage. He is predicted to be taken to the Salt Lake County Juvenile Detention Center.
The gun used in the shooting has been recovered, although no details were released. A few area schools, Edison Elementary and Parkview Elementary, went under “lockout” protocol in the beginning stages of the investigation.
This event underscores the enduring turmoil that comes with gun violence and the ever-growing need for firearm safety at home and around the world. It is a cry for all of us to recognize the transient nature of life and to cherish and protect our beloved family members. Our condolences go out to the victim’s family as they go through this sorrowful time.