CRIME

Teen charged as adult in Mount Olympus trailhead murder

Nov 11, 2024, 5:50 PM | Updated: 5:53 pm

Mount Olympus trailhead...

FILE - The Mount Olympus trailhead in Holiday, Utah (KSL TV)

(KSL TV)

MILLCREEK — A 16-year-old boy is the latest person to be charged with the murder of Naod Welday, 18, at the Mount Olympus trailhead parking lot in August.

In addition to the murder charge, Joshua Arthur Mielke, 16, was charged as an adult with two counts of aggravated kidnapping and two counts of firing a gun causing serious injury, aggravated assault, all felonies and assault, a class A misdemeanor. If convicted, the charges will all carry gang penalty enhancements.

KSL TV doesn’t typically name juveniles accused of crimes but is naming Mielke because he is charged as an adult.

All of those charged, police claim, are also gang members. Previous charged are Christian De La Rose, 17, Mateo Heriberto Martinez, 21, Alex Daniel Ruiz Martinez, 19, and a 15-year-old who has not been named.

Mielke will be held without bail, accused of killing Welday, after, police say, the accused asked the victim and his friends about being involved in rival gangs.

Police were called to the Mount Olympus trailhead in the early morning hours of Aug. 3 after two friends were with shooting victim Welday and called 9-1-1. The other two managed to escape from the attackers and call for help.

The first person attacked — before the suspects surrounded the car where Welday was killed — hid from the accused. He was carrying the car keys, leaving the other two unable to drive away. The remaining two locked the car doors and called 911 as the suspects surrounded the car, two on each side.

According to court documents, when the car windows were shattered, and the pair inside was attacked, one victim was hit in the head with what he believed was a hammer and fell to the ground and then rolled off the trailhead’s retaining wall to the road below. He was able to run west across roads, including Interstate 215. He lost his phone and knocked on doors in a neighborhood to get help. A resident called 9-1-1.

Fourth suspected gang member charged for killing at Mount Olympus trailhead

“There is substantial evidence implicating Joshua Arthur Mielke in the homicide,” charging documents state. “Location data for the defendant’s cell phone shows that it was at the trailhead at the time of the offense, and moving away from the incident with co-defendants.”

Police said the behavior of the accused is consistent with behaviors known by gang detectives. Police said the regular challenge individuals they believe are in rival gangs.

“Mielke has a significant delinquency history including firearm related offenses and fleeing police, making him a continuing risk to the community.”

Documents also said Mielke was a fugitive from the juvenile justice system and said he had removed his ankle monitor.

KSL 5 TV Live

Crime

An officer assigned to the Salt Lake City Police Department’s Pioneer Patrol Division Bike Squad ...

Diana Jones

SLCPD officers arrest 2 people suspected of drug trafficking in Library Square

On Thursday, Salt Lake City Police Department’s Bike Squad arrested two men for a suspected drug trafficking operation in Library Square. 

18 hours ago

Autumn Mercado, who was found dead in her home on Monday, Jan. 13, 2025....

Garna Mejia

Charges pending in case of West Jordan mother found dead, family seeks justice and protection for children

Nearly a month after the discovery of a West Jordan woman's body during a welfare check, charges in the case have yet to be filed.

1 day ago

Friends and family leaving flowers and mementos in front of Heather Barela's photo....

Jacob Freeman

Charges brought against 15-year-old in Santa Clara murder case

Charges have officially been filed against a 15-year-old accused of killing a family member and wounding another in Santa Clara on Jan. 30.

2 days ago

A tense day in the courtroom as a teen faces adult murder charges in a stabbing death that brings q...

Darby Sparks, KSL

Defense questions motive in Jordan High School teen stabbing death

A tense day in the courtroom as a teen faces adult murder charges in a stabbing death that brings questions of possible gang motive.

3 days ago

Rubicon Contracting trucks parked in Bountiful on Dec. 5, 2023. Utah is asking for its case against...

Pat Reavy, KSL.com

Utah seeks dismissal of labor trafficking charges in lieu of federal investigation

The Utah Attorney General's Office is asking for state charges against a Davis County general contracting company accused of labor trafficking to be dismissed because of a pending federal investigation.

3 days ago

On Wednesday a probation fugitive fled police leading to a high speed car chase involving several p...

Diana Jones

Multi-department car chase leads to capture of fugitive

ELWOOD, Utah — On Wednesday, a probation fugitive fled from police in a high-speed car chase that involved multiple police departments. At approximately 12:45 p.m., Weber County Adult Probation and Parole received a tip on the location of 24-year-old Brandler Stone. How he became a wanted person In Aug. 2024, Stone was sentenced to serve up […]

4 days ago

Sponsored Articles

holiday gift basket with blue tissue paper and gingerbread cookies...

Kneaders Bakery & Cafe

Holiday hacks for a stress-free season

Get more out of your time with family and loved ones over the holidays by following these tips for a stress-free season.

2 computer techs in a computer shop holding up a computer server with the "hang loose" sign...

PC Laptops

A comprehensive guide to choosing the right computer

With these tips, choosing the right computer that fits your needs and your budget will be easier than ever.

crowds of people in a German style Christmas market...

This Is The Place Heritage Park

Celebrate Christkindlmarket at This Is The Place Heritage Park!

The Christkindlmarket is an annual holiday celebration influenced by German traditions and generous giving.

Image of pretty woman walking in snowy mountains. Portrait of female wearing warm winter earmuff, r...

Lighting Design

Brighten your mood this winter with these lighting tricks

Read our lighting tips on how to brighten your mood in the winter if you are experiencing seasonal affective disorder.

A kitchen with a washer and dryer and a refrigerator...

Appliance Man

Appliance Man: a trusted name in Utah’s home appliance industry

Despite many recent closures of local appliance stores, Appliance Man remains Utah's trusted home appliance business and is here to stay.

abstract vector digital social network technology background...

Les Olson

Protecting yourself against social engineering attacks

Learn more about the common types of social engineering to protect your online or offline assets from an attack.

Teen charged as adult in Mount Olympus trailhead murder