In what began as a seemingly ordinary evening, 27-year-old Dylan Douglas Miller-Mottome, a White male, lost his life in a tragic and unforeseen incident on March 26, 2024, in West Jordan, Utah. He was with a friend, Anthony Sanchez, watching television when a misguided attempt at humor turned fatal. The two were reportedly in good spirits, with no arguments or altercations preceding the event.
According to police reports, Sanchez did something that Miller-Mottome found amusing enough to
record on his phone. In response, Sanchez pulled out a handgun, later telling authorities he was "trying to be funny." Not realizing the firearm was loaded, he pointed it at Miller-Mottome and pulled the trigger, firing a single shot that struck him in the chest. A frantic 911 call from Sanchez followed, in which he was reportedly screaming that he had just shot his best friend.
Emergency services arrived at the scene to find Miller-Mottome critically wounded. He was transported to a local hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries a short time later. Investigators found a loaded handgun near the victim and drug paraphernalia in the residence. Sanchez admitted to police that they had used cocaine the previous night.
Anthony Sanchez, who was 29 at the time of the incident, was arrested and initially booked on charges of negligent homicide, possession of a weapon by a restricted person, and illegal discharge of a firearm. In the ensuing legal proceedings, Sanchez pleaded guilty to manslaughter, a second-degree felony. In exchange for his plea, other charges were dismissed. He was eventually sentenced to 180 days in jail and three years of probation after the judge reduced the conviction to a third-degree felony, concluding that the original charge would be "unduly harsh" given the circumstances and Sanchez's cooperation with law enforcement, which included calling 911 and administering aid to his friend.
Family and friends gathered to remember a man who was described as a loving father, son, and brother. His obituary noted his infectious smile and his ability to make everyone laugh. A memorial trust account was established for his daughter, Aaviana. Loved ones honored his memory by wearing their favorite sports team apparel to his celebration of life, a nod to his passion for sports like softball and baseball.
