On a tragic night in West Point, Utah, the life of 30-year-old Colby Scott Barney, a Caucasian male from the Salt Lake City area, was cut short. The events of November 5, 2017, unfolded at the residence of Robin William "RJ" Lundin, where a gathering took a fatal turn. An altercation erupted between Barney and the 28-year-old Lundin, escalating to a point of physical violence.
During the dispute, Barney reportedly used a razor blade to inflict serious facial injuries on Lundin, who later required 28 stitches.
Following this initial confrontation, witnesses reported that Colby Scott Barney appeared to be surrendering, putting the razor away and holding his hands out. However, Lundin retreated to his bedroom and returned with a 9mm handgun. He then fired twice, striking Barney in the chest and also injuring the hand of a witness. When Davis County sheriff's deputies arrived at the home, they discovered Barney deceased in the basement. At the time of the incident, Lundin's girlfriend and their one-year-old child were also present in the house.
Robin William "RJ" Lundin was arrested that same morning and initially charged with murder. In his mugshot, Lundin had visible facial injuries from the earlier altercation. Investigators noted that Lundin admitted to drinking heavily on the night of the shooting.
The case proceeded to trial, where Lundin's defense argued that he acted in a moment of intense trauma, having been severely injured just before the shooting. Prosecutors, however, highlighted testimony that Barney was surrendering and had pleaded with Lundin not to shoot. Ultimately, in September, a jury convicted Lundin of a lesser offense than the initial murder charge. He was sentenced to a maximum of five years in prison for the death of Colby Scott Barney.
