On the evening of January 7, 2026, a memorial service at a Latter-day Saint meetinghouse in Salt Lake City, Utah, turned into a scene of violence that claimed the life of 38-year-old Sione Vatuvei. Vatuvei, a resident of Glendale, was one of two men fatally shot when gunfire erupted in the parking lot of the church located at 660 N. Redwood Road. The incident, which also resulted in the death of 46-year-old Vaea Tulikihihifo and injuries to six other men, is believed by investigators to have
stemmed from a dispute between individuals attending the service. Authorities have emphasized that the shooting was not a random act of violence, nor was it targeted at the religious institution itself. The two congregations that use the meetinghouse have been identified as Tongan.
The initial call to police was reported as an active shooter situation, prompting a significant law enforcement response. Investigators believe that multiple shooters were involved and that several vehicles fled the scene after the altercation. While the investigation is ongoing, police have indicated that witness cooperation has been limited, which has presented challenges. There were also indications of gang activity at the scene, though a definitive motive remains under investigation.
In connection with the deadly shooting, authorities have made one arrest. Ryan Daniel Toutai, 32, was taken into custody and charged with one count of obstruction of justice, a second-degree felony. According to court documents, Toutai, who has reported involvement with the Tongan Crip Gang, was allegedly seen in numerous videos displaying gang signs and handling firearms. He initially told investigators he had taken an Uber to the funeral and was inside when the shooting occurred, denying any involvement or seeing any firearms. However, video evidence from his own phone reportedly shows him in the church parking lot just minutes after other videos showed him driving a vehicle that was later found at the scene. While he has been arrested for obstructing the investigation, police are still seeking additional suspects in the murders of Vatuvei and Tulikihihifo.
Sione Leonaitasi Vatuvei was born on March 22, 1987, and had moved to Salt Lake City in 1995. He was a father to a young son and had recently married in March of 2022. Described as a talented writer and artist with a love for music and poetry, he was reportedly becoming a social media influencer and producing his own music before his death. He was also involved in local men's support groups and was remembered as a valued member of Utah's Pacific community.
