Estimated read time: 2-3 minutes
- A 23-year-old man was arrested in connection to the May 30 shooting of a veteran.
- Axel Eduardo Chavez was apprehended in Las Vegas, police said.
- Authorities seek information on Chavez's activities between May 28 and June 16.
WEST POINT — A man accused of shooting and killing a 71‑year‑old military veteran in West Point late last month has been arrested, the Davis County Sheriff's Office announced on Tuesday.
On May 30, James Randell "Randy" Witten was shot in front of his home near 2000 West and 200 North.
On Tuesday, detectives said Axel Eduardo Chavez, 23, was taken into custody by the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department in connection with the shooting.
In a press conference with reporters later Tuesday afternoon, Davis County Sheriff's deputy Taylor West said investigators had early indications that the suspect was likely someone from out of state.
"We've been working multiple leads in various states; we were able to collaborate with law enforcement in Las Vegas, who were able to assist us in that — that's just where the investigation led us," he said.
West said that Davis County sheriff's deputies have been working around the clock over the past several weeks to track the suspect down. He also noted how technology played a role in the effort.
"Every business has camera. There are all sorts of technologies that people aren't aware of — Tesla cars have cameras in them, other cars have dash cameras in them, and we were able to really leverage that technology to our benefit," he told reporters.
Chavez was arrested on a warrant out of Utah for investigation of murder, felony discharge of a firearm with serious bodily injury, obstruction of justice in a criminal investigation and prohibited dangerous weapon conduct.
Detectives said they believe Chavez is from El Salvador and had been living in Los Angeles. However, they did not say what he may have been doing in Utah.
Andrew Adams, KSLWitnesses told KSL last month that a red Honda Civic pulled up to Witten's home before a young male suspect got out and rushed toward the man while firing.
"The maroon Honda Civic believed to have been involved in the incident has been located, and investigators are no longer seeking information regarding its whereabouts," the press release says.
Chavez is being held in Nevada pending extradition to Utah.
West said investigators have yet to determine a motive for the alleged shooting. It's also unknown whether Witten and Chavez knew each other.
The investigation is ongoing, and detectives are working to determine if others may have been involved in the shooting. The Davis County Sheriff's Office is asking for anyone with knowledge of Chavez's whereabouts between May 28 and June 16 to contact investigators.
Contributing: Andrew Adams
