Ogden, UT – The Utah Court of Appeals has upheld the conviction of Keshaun Mykel Puente, who was found guilty in 2021 of murdering 23-year-old Denero Snyder in a shooting that took place in an Ogden apartment complex parking lot in June 2018. Puente, 27, was sentenced to 16 years to life in prison for the murder and five years to life for each of the three felony firearm charges. The sentences were ordered to run concurrently, with Judge Jennifer Valencia suggesting that Puente serve a total of 22 years.
Puente’s legal team had appealed the verdict on two grounds: that his right to a speedy trial had been violated and that his attorney had not provided effective counsel. However, the appellate court rejected both arguments and upheld the conviction.
The fatal incident occurred on June 13, 2018, when Puente and Snyder became involved in an argument in the parking lot of an apartment complex located at 630 23rd Street in Ogden. According to charging documents, after the argument, Puente walked to his car, followed by Snyder. Puente then got out of the car, pulled out a gun, and fired several shots at Snyder from close range. Puente fled the scene with his 17-year-old girlfriend, who later told authorities they were chased by another vehicle before eventually making their way to Las Vegas, a destination they had been planning to visit prior to the shooting.
Puente was not charged until five months after the shooting. He was arrested in Nevada in January 2019, following an investigation into the incident. In addition to the murder charge, Puente faced three felony counts for discharging a firearm, which resulted in serious injury to Snyder.
Despite the defense’s claims, the appellate court found no merit in the argument that Puente’s right to a speedy trial had been violated. They also determined that his trial attorney had provided effective counsel. The court’s decision effectively affirms the lower court’s judgment, ensuring that Puente will serve his prison sentence.
Puente’s case underscores the ongoing challenges and complexities of the criminal justice system, particularly in cases involving violent crimes. The conviction serves as a reminder of the severe consequences of such actions, as well as the legal processes that ensure justice for victims and their families.