Jose Javier Fernandez, an 18-year-old Hispanic male, was tragically killed on April 6, 2016, in Salt Lake City, Utah. Known to his loved ones as "Jay Jay," his life was cut short in a violent act that stemmed from a dispute over a woman. The events of that evening unfolded at a residence on the 200 North block of Cornell Street, where Fernandez was inside a home with several children.
The plot to confront Fernandez was set in motion by William Armstrong P-Graham, then 20, who harbored a
"beef" with Fernandez over a girlfriend. P-Graham, along with two associates, Gaethan "Synn" Laguerre, 25, and James Wellah Williams, 20, drove to the home where Fernandez was located. In a calculated move to clear the way for the attack, Williams entered the house and lured three young children outside with an invitation to go to a nearby park. Shortly after the children were led away, P-Graham and Laguerre, their faces obscured by bandanas, entered the home and proceeded to a bedroom where they found Fernandez.
Inside the bedroom, a brutal assault ensued. P-Graham, armed with a. 380-caliber handgun, opened fire on Fernandez. Laguerre, who had been provided a 9mm handgun by P-Graham, also discharged his weapon. An autopsy would later reveal that Fernandez had been shot multiple times. Responding to reports of gunshots at approximately 7:30 p.m., Salt Lake City police officers discovered Fernandez's body inside the home. Investigators at the scene recovered eight. 380-caliber bullet casings and two 9mm bullet casings.
The investigation swiftly led to the identification and apprehension of the three men involved. Williams and P-Graham were arrested on the day of the shooting. Laguerre turned himself in to the police the following day. All three men were subsequently charged with murder and aggravated burglary. During questioning, Williams admitted his role in removing the children from the house and acknowledged the ongoing conflict between P-Graham and Fernandez. Laguerre, after providing contradictory accounts, eventually confessed to his involvement, stating he was providing "back up" for P-Graham. The motive, as confirmed by police, was P-Graham's belief that Fernandez had been involved with his girlfriend. In the end, all three men were convicted for their roles in the death of Jose Javier Fernandez, bringing a measure of justice to a senseless act of violence.
