Ogden, Utah — Nearly nine years after a West Valley man was gunned down in a gang-related shooting, authorities have arrested a suspect in connection to the murder. Jimmy Lopez, now 26, was taken into custody and will face charges related to the 2016 death of Marvin Lopez, a 24-year-old from West Valley City.
According to a press release from the Unified Police Department (UPD), the two men were not related. Jimmy Lopez was 18 years old at the time of the shooting, which took place on July 10, 2016.
At approximately 4 a.m. on the day of the incident, officials received reports of a man with gunshot wounds at a local hospital, later identified as Marvin Lopez. Simultaneously, another call came in reporting shots fired near 5415 South 4095 West, prompting officers to respond to both scenes. Despite efforts to transport him to the hospital, Marvin Lopez succumbed to his injuries on the way.
During the investigation, officers discovered a third crime scene near 5586 South 4220 West in Kearns, where shell casings were recovered. Ballistic analysis revealed that these casings matched those found at a previous shooting in West Valley several days earlier.
As the investigation progressed, a witness came forward identifying Jimmy Lopez as the shooter. Further inquiries confirmed that the homicide was linked to gang activity, according to UPD officials.
In the days leading to his arrest, Jimmy Lopez was apprehended with the help of Adult Probation and Parole agents. As of February 3, 2025, he was being interviewed by detectives. Authorities also plan to question three other individuals who were reportedly with Lopez at the time of the shooting.
The Unified Police Department expressed their condolences to Marvin Lopez’s family, acknowledging the long years of grief and uncertainty they have endured. “Our thoughts remain with the family and friends of Marvin Lopez. We hope that this development brings them some measure of peace and justice,” the department said in a statement.
The arrest marks a major breakthrough in a case that has remained unsolved for nearly a decade, offering hope of closure for those affected by the tragic loss.