On a summer evening in 2020, the life of 17-year-old Edwin Benny Reyes was tragically cut short. Born in Guatemala City, Guatemala, on July 28, 2002, he was a male of Hispanic descent who had moved to the Salt Lake City, Utah area with his family at the age of two. Known to his loved ones as Benny, he was a sweet, caring, and intelligent young man who was deeply respected by those who knew him. He had a profound passion for soccer and was often considered one of the best players on the field.
His friends and family remember him as a loving son, brother, uncle, and friend who brought joy to those around him.
On the evening of June 28, 2020, Edwin was found fatally shot at Peachwood Park in West Valley City. The discovery, made shortly after 7 p.m., launched an immediate homicide investigation. Due to a familial connection between Edwin and a West Valley City police officer, the West Jordan Police Department took the lead in the investigation to ensure impartiality. The community was left in shock and mourning over the violent loss of such a young life.
The investigation quickly led to the identification of two suspects. Just two days after Edwin's death, on June 30, 2020, 25-year-old Saivontre Spillers and 22-year-old Adrian McCleary were apprehended in Wyoming. At the time of their arrest, evidence connecting them to the shooting was discovered in their possession. The two men were subsequently extradited back to Utah to face charges related to the death of Edwin Benny Reyes, bringing a small measure of relief to his grieving family and a community searching for answers.
