Man Shot, Killed At West Valley Home; Suspect Arrested

WEST VALLEY CITY, Utah – One man was taken into custody after he allegedly shot a construction worker at a West Valley home, according to officials with the West Valley City Police Department.

Police said the suspect lived near the home that was being worked on and he “reportedly had been disturbed by the construction noise.”

Officials added the victim had previously worked at the site and was “reported to have developed a negative relationship with some neighbors due to noise.”

The victim was found unresponsive at the home near 2900 South and 3000 West on Thursday with a visible injury.

“They said that he had blood on him and when officers arrived on scene they discovered that he had some injuries consistent with having been attacked and it having been a homicide,” said Lt. Bill Merritt with the West Valley City Police Department.

Investigators later determined the injury was a gunshot wound and the suspect hid the weapon before fleeing the scene.

The victim was later identified as 39-year-old Melvin Martinez.

The victim in the fatal shooting that occurred on 5/28 was 39 year old Melvin Martinez. pic.twitter.com/ykaB7AVuWC

— WVC Police (@WVCPD) May 30, 2020

Police said the suspect was taken into custody Friday morning at a home near 1700 West and Indiana Avenue.

“They were able to locate that suspect today here in the house behind me and they contacted the suspect as he came outside the home,” Merritt said. “The suspect gave up. He didn’t fight. He didn’t resist the officers.”

He was later identified as 30-year-old Jesus Valdez. Police said he was booked into jail for a parole violation warrant.

Officials said the victim’s name would be released after proper notifications had been made.