LOCAL NEWS

Husband, father of 4, killed in Sandy road rage confrontation

Oct 27, 2022, 11:28 AM | Updated: Nov 18, 2022, 6:14 pm

A Riverton man was arrested for investigation of murder following what police say was a road rage i...

A Riverton man was arrested for investigation of murder following what police say was a road rage incident on I-15 that led to a fatal shooting Wednesday. Police confirmed Thursday that a Pleasant Grove husband and father of four was the victim in the shooting. (Mark Wetzel/KSL TV)

(Mark Wetzel/KSL TV)

SANDY, Utah — A husband and father of four was shot and killed during a road rage confrontation in Sandy on Wednesday.

On Thursday, police confirmed that Chris Mortensen, 41, of Pleasant Grove, was the victim in the deadly confrontation.

“We are devastated to lose a dedicated husband and father, way too soon, in a way that we will never understand,” according to a fundraiser started for his family.

Mortensen was on I-15 about 9:30 a.m. when he was allegedly cut off by Rodrigo A. Monroy, 32, of Riverton, according to police. Monroy admitted after his arrest that he “brake checked” Mortensen.

Chris Mortenson, shown here with his family in an image from the Give Lively fundraiser website, was shot and killed Wednesday, Oct. 26, 2022, following what police are calling a road rage incident on I-15.
Chris Mortenson, shown here with his family in an image from the Give Lively fundraiser website, was shot and killed Wednesday, Oct. 26, 2022, following what police are calling a road rage incident on I-15. (Photo: GiveLively.com)

According to a person who claims he witnessed the incident, Monroy allegedly cut off Mortensen more than once, starting near 12300 South, and wouldn’t let him pass.

Police say Mortensen then motioned to Monroy to pull over. Monroy followed Mortensen as they got off the freeway at 10600 South, and came to a stop in front of a gas station just off the freeway near 160 West, said Sandy Police Sgt. Greg Moffitt. Mortensen got out of his car and approached Monroy’s vehicle, which had parked behind him, went up to the driver’s side window and slapped the windshield with his hand.

“Monroy then pulled a gun out from under the driver seat and pointed it at (Mortensen) telling him to back away. (Mortensen) attempted to grab the gun and a short struggle ensued through the open window of (Monroy’s vehicle),” according to a police booking affidavit.

Monroy pulled his gun away and then “leaned away from (the victim) and fired one shot which struck (Mortensen) in the chest,” the affidavit states.

Monroy was later booked into the Salt Lake County Jail for investigation of murder and illegal discharge of a firearm.

Mortensen, originally from Mesa, Arizona, is survived by his wife of 20 years, three daughters and a young son, and was preceded in death by another young daughter.

“Chris was a doting father to his young kids, a hard worker and sole provider for his family. He walks into a room and you knew he was there. He would give anyone the shirt off his back or come to your aid at the drop of a hat,” the fundraising site states.

On social media, many posted tributes as word of Mortensen’s death spread.

“Chris is a protector not a fighter he didn’t provoke this … that wasn’t Chris. Please say some prayers for his wife who’s already had a loss that no mother should have to go through and now she’s a young widow with the cutest little, almost, 4-year-old boy … and three precious girls,” one woman wrote on Facebook.

“Our grandbabies lost their daddy from a terrible violent act of road rage,” another person, who identified as one of Mortensen’s in-laws, posted. “This has devastated this beautiful family to say the least. A donation fund has been set up to help Nicole and the kids. Every bit will help.”

“My heart is shattered into a million pieces for my sister, our sweet nieces and our nephew. My brother-in-law Chris was killed this morning and life will never be the same. We lost him in a split-second, over a mindless act of violence,” another woman wrote.

KSL 5 TV Live

Local News

Ice Castles lit in pink and blue shades like cotton candy....

Michael Houck

Ice Castles close early due to warm weather

A popular winter attraction in Utah is ending early due to the shorter-than-expected winter season.

14 minutes ago

Salt Lake County District Attorney Sim Gill on Friday explained body camera videos from Taylorsvill...

Pat Reavy, KSL.com

Police officers found justified in shooting, killing armed man in Taylorsville

Three Taylorsville police officers were legally justified when they opened fire on a man with a gun while responding to a domestic violence situation, the Salt Lake County District Attorney's Office announced Friday.

1 hour ago

Utah's Capitol building...

The Deseret News Editorial Board

Opinion: Keep Utah government transparent

Through the years, Utah lawmakers have developed few things that work as well as the State Records Committee.

1 hour ago

A stage is set up on West Temple Friday for the Salt Lake Winter Roundup in Salt Lake City. The fre...

Carter Williams, KSL.com

How to watch skijoring as it returns to downtown Salt Lake City

An outdoor sport regaining popularity — as it mixes two of Utah's favorite pastimes — is returning to an unlikely location this weekend.

1 hour ago

Big Cottonwood Canyon was closed after a car slid off the road on Feb. 7, 2025. (Utah Department of...

Mary Culbertson

Car slides off road in Big Cottonwood Canyon, shutting down road

A driver escaped with minor injuries after their car slid off the road in Big Cottonwood Canyon.

2 hours ago

A DNR Division of Law Enforcement official sitting on his snowmobile while checking on people on th...

Andrew Adams

DNR Division of Law Enforcement monitoring people on the ice at Strawberry Reservoir

Department of Natural Resources new Division of Law Enforcement officers are setting out to monitor people on the ice at Strawberry Reservoir.

3 hours 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.

Husband, father of 4, killed in Sandy road rage confrontation