Abubakar Mohammad

A night of crime in Salt Lake City, Utah, ended in a flash of gunfire that left a young man dead and his case unresolved. Abubakar Mohammad, an 18-year-old male, was killed on the evening of Tuesday, May 14, 2019, during the chaotic aftermath of a home invasion. His death, at the hands of someone from the targeted home, remains a complex and open investigation.

The incident began at approximately 10 p.m. when a group of four males, including two 18-year-olds and two 17-year-olds, forced their way into a residence at 245 N. Rendon Court (also known as 635 West). Police later stated they believed the home was specifically targeted and that the attempted robbery was likely drug-related. The group reportedly stole a small bag from inside the house before fleeing on foot.

Nearby, Abubakar Mohammad was waiting behind the wheel of a car on 600 West, between 200 North and 300 North. The four individuals who had entered the home ran and got into his vehicle. As Abubakar attempted to drive away from the scene, an occupant from the Rendon Court home pursued them. The pursuer, later identified by police as a 17-year-old male, fired multiple gunshots into the fleeing car.

At least one bullet struck Abubakar, causing him to lose control of the vehicle. The car crashed into a roundabout near the intersection of 200 North and 600 West, tipping onto its side. While the other three occupants of the car managed to get out and run, they were apprehended by police a short time later at the North Temple TRAX station. Abubakar Mohammad died from his gunshot wounds inside the wrecked vehicle.

The Salt Lake City Police Department launched an investigation into the homicide. Detectives identified the 17-year-old shooter but faced challenges, noting that the occupants of the targeted home were not fully cooperating with the investigation. While the three surviving individuals from the car were arrested and faced charges including aggravated burglary, the gunman was not immediately taken into custody.

Police officials were clear in their assessment of the shooting. Salt Lake City police detective Greg Wilking stated that it is not legal for a person to shoot at someone who is running or driving away if they are no longer posing an immediate threat. In the months that followed, the investigation continued.

As of January 2020, the Salt Lake City Police Department confirmed the investigation remained active. No charges had been filed against the 17-year-old who fired the fatal shots, and no arrest had been made. Authorities reiterated that they did not believe the shooting qualified as a case of self-defense. The case of Abubakar Mohammad's death is still considered an open and unsolved homicide. Anyone with information regarding the incident is asked to contact the Salt Lake City Police Department at 801-799-3000.