Bransen Bryels-Nechanicky, a 33-year-old Black or African American male, was tragically killed on June 30, 2024, in his Washington, Utah, apartment. He and another individual returned to their residence at 20 N Red Trail Lane in the early morning hours to find some of their belongings piled in the living room. Shortly after their arrival, a man wearing a dark-colored hoodie and a ski mask emerged from one of the bedrooms brandishing a firearm. A physical altercation ensued between Bransen and the intruder, during which the assailant discharged his weapon three times, striking Bransen multiple times. Despite the immediate response and life-saving efforts of law enforcement and medical personnel, he succumbed to his injuries.
The investigation into the homicide led authorities to identify 17-year-old Simeon Gail Calnimptewa as the suspect. Security footage from a Ring doorbell camera near the apartment complex captured a male in a hoodie and baggy pants on the staircase leading to the victims' apartment around the time of the shooting. The same individual was later seen leaving the area without a mask and carrying a jar of money. Police officers recognized the individual in the footage from previous encounters and located him asleep in his own apartment within the same complex.
Simeon Gail Calnimptewa has been charged as an adult with aggravated murder, aggravated robbery, aggravated burglary, and three counts of felony discharge of a firearm, all of which are first-degree felonies. He also faces five third-degree felonies, including aggravated assault and weapons charges. Due to the severity of the charges, Utah state law allows for the 17-year-old to be tried in district court rather than juvenile court. If convicted of aggravated murder, he faces a potential sentence of 25 years to life in prison. The case is currently proceeding through the Utah 5th District Court.
