West Valley City, Utah — Tragedy Strikes at WestFest: Infant Killed in Father’s Day Carnival Shooting
West Valley City, Utah — What should have been a joyous family outing to celebrate Father’s Day turned into a nightmare of unthinkable grief for a young couple in West Valley City, Utah. An evening filled with laughter, carnival rides, and the sounds of celebration was violently shattered when gunfire erupted during the final night of the WestFest carnival, claiming the life of an innocent 8-month-old baby boy identified as Anderson Gracia Sr. And Mehili Cabrera.
What began as a spontaneous stop to enjoy the festivities ended in a heartbreak that no family should ever endure.
A Day Meant for Celebration
On the evening of Sunday, June 15, 2025, the Garcia-Cabrera family had originally set out on a routine errand to Walmart. But with Father’s Day coinciding with the final night of WestFest—a cherished community event held annually in West Valley City—they decided to enjoy the carnival atmosphere before heading home. The couple pushed their twin sons in a stroller through the lively fairgrounds, soaking in the music, lights, and smiles from fellow families enjoying the warm summer night.
WestFest had drawn thousands of attendees to Centennial Park, celebrating the city’s diversity and community spirit. But within moments, the joyful occasion was turned upside down.
The Shooting Unfolds
Around 9:30 p.m., a confrontation reportedly broke out between two groups of teenagers near a police command post set up on-site for the festival. According to officials, the dispute quickly escalated. Amid the large crowd, a 16-year-old male pulled out a firearm and opened fire indiscriminately. What followed was chaos—screams, panicked stampedes, and the unmistakable echo of gunshots cutting through the festive air.
Three people were killed in the shooting:
•Anderson Garcia Cabrera Jr., the 8-month-old baby boy, whose stroller was caught in the line of fire.
•Hassan Lugundi, an 18-year-old male believed to be one of the intended targets.
•Fnu Reena, a 41-year-old woman from West Jordan, who was also an innocent bystander.
Several others were injured, including two teenagers and a pregnant woman who was hurt while trying to flee the scene. The Garcia-Cabrera family, blindsided by the violence, tried desperately to protect their children. Anderson Sr. reportedly threw himself over the stroller and pushed his wife to safety, but tragically, Anderson Jr. was fatally struck.
A Devastated Family
For Anderson Sr. and Mehili Cabrera, the loss is unimaginable. After years of struggling with infertility, the couple was finally blessed with twin sons. Anderson Jr. was described by his family as a joyful baby, full of life, and just beginning to crawl. Their GoFundMe page paints a picture of a tight-knit and loving family, now ripped apart by senseless violence.
“Our hearts are broken in ways that can’t be described,” the family wrote in a statement. “We went to celebrate Father’s Day with our babies, and instead we left the park without our son.”
The family is now not only facing the trauma of losing their child, but also the ongoing emotional and financial toll of such a sudden, violent tragedy.
The Arrest
In the immediate aftermath of the shooting, West Valley City police responded swiftly. Officers on-site engaged the suspect and fired at least one round, though it did not hit the shooter. The 16-year-old suspect was quickly taken into custody. He is now facing multiple charges, including aggravated murder, attempted murder, and illegal possession of a firearm.
Authorities believe the shooting may be gang-related, though investigations are ongoing. The suspect’s name has not been released due to his juvenile status. West Valley City Police Chief Colleen Jacobs noted that the quick action of officers likely prevented further casualties, though the devastation already inflicted was profound.
Community in Mourning
News of the shooting stunned the West Valley City community. Vigils have been held, candles lit, and tears shed across the city. Local leaders, including Mayor Karen Lang, issued heartfelt condolences and called for unity during this difficult time.
“There are no words to express the sorrow we feel for this family and for all the lives affected,” Mayor Lang said. “We are grieving with them. And we will work tirelessly to ensure nothing like this ever happens at a community event again.”
Residents have responded with an outpouring of support. Donations for the Garcia-Cabrera family have flooded in, and grief counselors have been made available to witnesses and first responders. The event has also sparked renewed calls for tighter gun control measures and increased security at public gatherings.
A City Reflects
The tragedy has prompted difficult conversations across Utah about youth violence, access to firearms, and the safety of public events. While WestFest had been a staple of the community for decades, drawing people from all walks of life to celebrate culture and togetherness, its future is now uncertain.
City officials have pledged to conduct a full review of security protocols, and law enforcement is working with local agencies to trace how the teen suspect came to possess a weapon in the first place.
Remembering Anderson Jr.
In the end, it is the smallest victim who has left the biggest void. Anderson Garcia Cabrera Jr., taken before he could speak his first full sentence, before he could take his first steps. A child whose life was just beginning, cut short by a bullet in a place meant for celebration.
His memory now lives on in the arms of grieving parents and a twin brother who will grow up without his other half. His name joins a long and painful list of victims lost to senseless gun violence in America—a list that grows far too often.
But for those who knew him, and even for those who never met him, Anderson Jr.’s brief life is a call for action, for empathy, and for change.
Final Thoughts
As West Valley City begins the healing process, one truth remains clear: no family should have to fear for their lives while attending a public festival. The heartbreaking loss of Anderson Garcia Cabrera Jr. is not just a tragedy—it’s a reminder of how much work remains to protect the most vulnerable among us.
In the quiet after the carnival lights have gone out and the crowds have dispersed, the echoes of that night will remain. But so too will the resolve of a community to honor its youngest victim—not with silence, but with action.