15-year-old accused of fatal shootings near Hunter High to argue self-defense
Aug 24, 2022, 4:13 PM | Updated: May 21, 2023, 4:32 pm
Police responded to the shooting of two teens near Hunter High School in January. (KSL TV)
(KSL TV)
SALT LAKE CITY — Attorneys for a now 15-year-old, who was charged in the shooting deaths of two other teens near Hunter High School last January, will argue self-defense during the upcoming trial.
The teen suspect, who KSL TV has decided not to name at this time, appeared in juvenile court Wednesday. The judge ruled that the suspect will be tried for two counts of murder and several weapons charges. He was 14 at the time of the shooting.
Two underclassman football players at Hunter High School, 15-year-old Paul Tahi and 14-year-old Tivani Lopati died in the incident. A third student, 15-year-old Ephraim Asiata was seriously wounded.
Community rallies around families of Hunter High teens killed, injured in shooting
A prosecutor said the state will decide in October if the suspect should be tried as an adult.
The lunchtime shootings followed a dispute between two groups. Police said students from Hunter High School and other schools were involved.
