West Valley City, Utah — Father’s Day Turns Tragic as Infant Anderson Garcia Cabrera Jr. Among Victims in WestFest Shooting
What should have been a joyful Father’s Day celebration quickly descended into horror and heartbreak in West Valley City, Utah, as gunfire erupted at the WestFest carnival on Sunday night, claiming the life of an 8-month-old baby, Anderson Garcia Cabrera Jr. The infant was one of three individuals tragically killed in a senseless act of violence that has left a community reeling and a young family shattered.
A Celebration Turned Nightmare
The festival, hosted at Centennial Park near 5600 West and 3100 South, is typically a vibrant community tradition filled with music, rides, and family fun. But shortly after 9:15 p.m., as crowds gathered for the final night of festivities, chaos broke out when a 16-year-old boy allegedly opened fire during a confrontation between two groups.
West Valley City Police officers, already on patrol at the event, attempted to intervene in a verbal altercation unfolding near the fairgrounds. As they approached to de-escalate the situation, the teenage suspect drew a firearm and began firing indiscriminately.
According to police spokesperson Roxeanne Vainuku, officers returned fire but did not strike the suspect, who was later taken into custody without incident.
A Baby’s Life Taken Too Soon
Anderson Garcia Cabrera Jr., an innocent bystander, was in his stroller near the conflict when the bullets flew. The infant was rushed to a nearby hospital, but despite emergency efforts, he succumbed to his injuries.
Authorities confirmed that neither Anderson nor his family had any involvement with the groups in conflict. They had simply come to the carnival like so many others — to celebrate a holiday that honors fathers and the love between parent and child. Instead, Anderson’s parents are now preparing to bury their baby boy on what should have been a memory-making weekend.
“This family came to the carnival to enjoy a night out, to celebrate Father’s Day. Now they’re going home with empty arms,” said Vainuku during a Monday press conference. “This is an unthinkable loss. A tragedy that should never have happened.”
Other Victims and Ongoing Investigation
The infant was one of three fatalities. Also killed were 18-year-old Hassan Lugundi, believed to have been the intended target of the shooter, and 41-year-old Fnu Reena, another innocent bystander. Both were pronounced dead after being transported to local hospitals.
Two teenagers — a 15-year-old boy and a 17-year-old girl — were also struck by gunfire. Fortunately, their injuries were non-life-threatening, and they are expected to recover.
A pregnant woman sustained injuries while trying to flee the scene by scaling a fence. Her condition has not yet been publicly disclosed.
A City in Mourning
West Valley City residents are stunned and grieving in the wake of the shooting. Community members have placed flowers and balloons near the carnival grounds in tribute to the victims. Online, social media has been flooded with tributes to Anderson, along with calls for justice and tighter measures to ensure safety at public events.
Local leaders and advocacy groups have called the incident a heartbreaking reminder of the rising gun violence that continues to plague communities across the nation, including youth access to firearms and growing concerns over public safety at large gatherings.
Mayor Karen Lang released a statement expressing condolences to the victims’ families and reaffirming the city’s commitment to supporting those impacted. “We are devastated by the loss of innocent lives in what should have been a place of joy. Our thoughts are especially with the family of Anderson Garcia Cabrera Jr. No parent should ever endure the pain of losing a child like this.”
The Road Ahead
The 16-year-old suspect, who remains unnamed due to his age, is currently being held in a juvenile detention facility. He faces three counts of homicide, and the Salt Lake County District Attorney’s Office is considering whether to try him as an adult.
The investigation remains active, with authorities reviewing surveillance footage and interviewing dozens of witnesses. Police continue to urge anyone with video or firsthand information about the incident to come forward.
Remembering Anderson
Though only 8 months old, Anderson Garcia Cabrera Jr. brought immeasurable joy to his family. Loved ones describe him as a happy, giggling baby who loved music, bright lights, and being cuddled by his parents. His loss is being mourned not only by his immediate family but by a community that has wrapped them in collective sorrow and support.
A memorial fund has been established to assist the family with funeral expenses and emotional recovery. In the coming days, a candlelight vigil will be held at Centennial Park to honor Anderson, Reena, and Hassan — three lives ended too soon.
In the face of such profound tragedy, the West Valley City community clings to each other with resilience, remembering the precious lives lost and vowing to do more to ensure that such senseless violence never happens again.
May Anderson Garcia Cabrera Jr. rest in peace, and may his memory bring strength and unity to a city in mourning.
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