On the night of February 16, 2017, in Magna, Utah, 18-year-old Tristen Mogadam was shot and killed outside of his home. The incident unfolded around 11 p.m. when a call reporting shots fired sent police to a residence near Helen Drive and Julia Lane. Upon arrival, officers found Mogadam inside the home, unconscious with a gunshot wound. He was transported to Intermountain Medical Center, where he succumbed to his injuries.
An autopsy later revealed that a single bullet had entered his back, struck his heart, and exited through his chest.
The investigation into the young man's death quickly pointed to a drug deal that had taken a violent turn. Mogadam and his 16-year-old brother had arranged to sell marijuana to Isaac Nacdaniel Patton, who was 17 years old at the time. Patton arrived at Mogadam's home with three other individuals. After Mogadam handed over the drugs in the driveway, Patton pulled out a gun and demanded, "What else you got?". Mogadam pushed Patton and tried to flee back into his house. It was then that another male with Patton reportedly yelled, "Blast him". Patton fired a 9mm handgun multiple times, and as Mogadam and his brother ran for the house, Tristen was struck and collapsed on the floor inside.
A swift investigation led to the arrest of Isaac Nacdaniel Patton just three days after the shooting, on February 19, 2017. He was charged as an adult with murder, aggravated robbery, and multiple counts of discharging a firearm. Authorities stated that the charges carried a gang enhancement, as Patton had told police he was in a gang and believed Mogadam was a member of a rival gang. In November 2019, a second suspect, Kilungo Pierre Ilunga, then 22, was charged in connection with the murder. He was identified as the individual who allegedly encouraged Patton to shoot. However, the charges against Ilunga were later dismissed in February 2020.
After a trial that concluded in March 2023, a jury found Isaac Patton guilty of murder, aggravated robbery, and felony discharge of a firearm with a gang enhancement. During the sentencing, Mogadam's family spoke of their profound loss, describing him as a loving brother and son who was planning to move in with his girlfriend. They disputed any claims of him being a gang member. In January 2024, nearly seven years after the fatal shooting, Patton was sentenced to serve at least 20 years to life in prison. It was noted at his sentencing that he showed no remorse for his actions.
