In the early morning hours of Friday, March 3, 2023, the life of 15-year-old Francisco Jesus Cuenca Bernal was tragically cut short in West Valley City, Utah. The Hispanic male teenager was discovered inside a crashed vehicle, the victim of multiple gunshot wounds. Authorities were initially called to the scene of the car crash, but the investigation quickly turned into a homicide upon finding Francisco.
His family, plunged into sudden and profound grief, identified him as the young man
in the car. His mother, Yessica Bernal, described her son as her world, a boy who would message her every morning and every night. He was remembered as an amazing kid who was loved by his family, including his parents and two brothers. The family visited the scene of the crash, a makeshift memorial growing as they mourned the loss of a life just beginning. He was known to have a charming personality and a strong will, a ray of light in his family.
West Valley City police began an investigation into the shooting, collecting evidence from the scene, including shell casings. They appealed to the public for any information regarding the incident. As of the available online sources, there has been no information released regarding any arrests made or suspects identified in the shooting death of Francisco Jesus Cuenca Bernal. The investigation into who is responsible for the death of the teenager remains ongoing, leaving his family and community searching for answers and justice.
