Fatal Shooting In Orem May Be Case Of Self Defense

OREM, Utah – A homeowner opened fire on a man who he believed was an intruder in his backyard. Police were still working to determine if the shooting was self-defense.

Officials with the Orem Police Department said the man died from his injuries at the hospital just before noon Monday.

Officers were called to a report of shots fired near 400 North and 800 West around 7 a.m. The homeowner told police he walked outside and heard a noise inside his small detached garage, so he went back in the house and got his gun.

When the homeowner came back outside, police said there was a confrontation with a 49-year-old man from the neighborhood, and at least two shots were fired.

“It is too early to determine if charges will be filed on anyone right now. We don’t have anyone in custody. We are not looking for anyone else. We are going through some interviews and processing the crime scene,” said Lt. Craig Martinez.

The man suffered a gunshot wound to the abdomen. His identity was not released, as police worked to reach family members out of the country.

Neighbors told KSL the shooting has rattled their quiet street, and that police were asking if they had any doorbell video to help in their investigation.

So far, investigators said there was nothing to suggest the homeowner was out of his right to defend himself with deadly force, but were still investigating to make sure there wasn’t more to the story.

“It is unfortunate. I know that the homeowner is very distraught and upset about what happened. No one is ever wanting to be involved in this type of an incident, but sometimes they happen. We should be finishing up our investigation here in a couple of days,” added Lt. Martinez.

Police said once they finish their investigation they will turn it over to the Utah County Attorney’s office, which will determine if any charges will be filed against the unidentified homeowner.