On the morning of January 9, 2021, a gathering at a home on West California Avenue in Salt Lake City’s Glendale neighborhood ended in gunfire. Around 1:55 a.m. a dispute broke out and shots were fired; first responders found 28-year-old Hispanic male Emilio Salazar in the carport area with a gunshot wound to the back of his head. He was taken to a local medical center in extremely critical condition and died about seven hours later.

Witnesses identified a single suspect as 19-year-old Alex Christopher Mendoza Jr., known on the street as Baby Alex. Initial accounts included claims the shooting was a drive-by, but some homeowners later told investigators Mendoza was the shooter after earlier saying they were afraid to speak. Homicide detectives located Mendoza at his residence and took him into custody without incident; the firearm used was not immediately recovered. Salazar’s family described him as a beloved son, brother, uncle, and friend.

If anyone who attended that gathering or has information about what happened that night can help, please come forward.