Millcreek shooting death of 14-year-old result of gang violence, SLCo. DA says

SALT LAKE CITY (ABC4) — The shooting death of a teenager in Millcreek is believed to be the result of gang violence, according to charging documents filed by the Salt Lake County District Attorney’s Office.

Seven people, including four minors, were charged in the death of 14-year-old John Mula on Aug. 25.

Jaden Dino Papenfuss, 17, and Jayvon Dajon Cooper, 20 were charged with one count of murder, one count of obstruction of justice, and five counts of felony discharge of a firearm. Papenfuss’s biological mother Whitney Michelle Vasquez, 36, was charged with obstruction of justice. All seven charges of Cooper and Papenfuss’s charges carry a chance for an enhanced penalty if convicted.

No information has been released on charges for the juveniles.

Documents say that an anonymous person approached Unified Police at the hospital and said the suspects involved are “members of the N***** in Black (NIB) street gang.”

Papenfuss allegedly told police that he is not part of any gang. However, he stated he “kicks it with a lot of different gang members, NIB and 45 (another gang).”

A juvenile, who was named as a co-defendant, was interviewed by Unified Police and reportedly told them the murder was gang-related. He allegedly told police that the shooting was retaliatory for another shooting death earlier this year.

The juvenile also explained the killing was a retaliatory crime for the rival gang killing someone earlier this year.

Charging documents say that Papenfuss is a documented member of NIB and Cooper is a member of another gang.

Unified Police told ABC4.com that they are still investigating the incident.

Charges are allegations only. All arrested persons are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.

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