19 Year Old Charged in Triple Homicide

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19 year old Gerald Grant was charged with murder for the triple homicide that took place in South Salt Lake earlier this month. His attorney stated he was acting in self-defense.

Gunfire in a closed vehicle

Triple Homicide
Photo by: Peter Anderson

Police are still investigating the triple homicide that resulted in the death of a 17 year old teenager and his friends, 19 and 20 year old brothers. At this time it is known that an altercation erupted in a car in which the three friends and Grant were riding in together. The car stopped abruptly, gunfire took place inside, and all parties were injured.

Leaving the scene of a crime

The three critically injured friends stayed on scene while Grant left and later checked himself into a local hospital. The 17 year old and the brothers ended up succumbing to their injuries while Grant was originally listed in serious condition. Authorities were able to locate two guns found at the scene. Both weapons allegedly belonged to Grant yet he was not the only shooter. At this time, authorities have not determined who shot first and if anyone including Grant acted on self-defense.

Photo by: Tex Texin
Photo by: Tex Texin

Wounded and bragging?

Grant who suffered from a gunshot wound to his left leg appeared to be only a victim in the shooting until witnesses came forward with hearsay. They claimed Grant openly confessed to be the shooter in the triple homicide. Currently, their hearsay is the only evidence against Grant; hearsay and the fact that he is the only survivor of the shooting.

Murder or self-defense for triple homicide

Photo by: Matt Reinbold
Photo by: Matt Reinbold

If Grant’s attorney can prove that he was not the one who provoked the shootout and that he was only trying to defend himself, he may face charges for possession of the firearms and leaving the scene of a crime, but not for murder. If Grant’s attorney is unable to show beyond a reasonable doubt that he acted in Self-defense, Grant could be facing three first degree felonies for aggravated murder, each punishable by 5 years to life in prison.