In the early hours of April 3, 2022, a party at an Airbnb in Draper, Utah, turned tragic, ending the life of 27-year-old Austin Terry Powell. The gathering was winding down when an uninvited guest sparked an altercation outside the residence. The dispute escalated, and the individual brandished a handgun, firing multiple shots. Powell was fatally wounded in the street, and a second man, Jonathan July Fuentes, 21, was also killed.
Witnesses described a chaotic scene as partygoers fled.
The gunman reportedly attempted to carjack a vehicle before leaving in another car. Initial police reports described the suspect as a Hispanic male with a stocky build and distinctive facial tattoos, including "801" over one eyebrow. This description led to a significant investigation as Draper police interviewed numerous attendees and followed various leads.
The investigation ultimately led to the identification and arrest of Daniel Martinez. Authorities determined that Martinez was the shooter. Another individual, Ashtyn Ernesto Ortega, was also arrested in connection with the homicides. It was revealed that Ortega handed the gun to Martinez just before the fatal shots were fired. Martinez was subsequently charged with two counts of aggravated murder.
Following a jury trial, Daniel Martinez was found guilty of the murders of both Austin Powell and Jonathan Fuentes. In July 2024, he was sentenced to serve at least 50 years to life in prison. Ashtyn Ernesto Ortega pleaded guilty to manslaughter and felony discharge of a firearm for his role in the incident and was sentenced to a term of at least five years and up to life in prison. During the sentencing, the profound loss was articulated by Powell's family, who remembered him as a loving father to his young daughter, a cherished son, and a loyal friend.
