SLC Murder Suspect Extradited from Mexico

SALT LAKE CITY — Today, the Salt Lake City Police Department announced the arrest of 27-year-old Fortunato Villagrana for the alleged murder of 16-year-old Paris Gustin.

On Thursday January 6, 2022, the United States Marshals Service transported Villagrana back to Salt Lake City following his earlier arrest in Mexico.

This investigation started at 4:15 a.m. on July 5, 2016 when SLC911 received information about a shooting near 1100 West American Avenue. SLCPD patrol officers arrived on scene and located the victim on the ground with a gunshot wound. Paramedics pronounced Gustin dead on scene.

During the investigation, SLCPD Homicide Detectives learned the shooting appeared to be retaliatory after a group of teens drove around throwing eggs at various items and people from a moving vehicle.

Homicide Detectives identified Villagrana as the alleged shooter.

Prior to the shooting, an egg thrown from a vehicle hit Villagrana in the ear and landed in the back seat of his vehicle. Detectives learned Villagrana drove to his residence, collected a firearm and he, and then 21-year-old Martin Cruz, began searching for the people who threw the egg at him.

Once located, Villagrana is accused of leaning a portion of his body out of the window, with Cruz being the driver, and shooting into the vehicle occupied by Gustin.

During the investigation, SLCPD Homicide Detectives learned Villagrana fled to Mexico.

Working with the Salt Lake County District Attorney’s Office, the United States Department of Justice, and the United States Marshals Service, law enforcement located and arrested Villagrana in Mexico.

Villagrana is currently lodged in the Salt Lake County Metro Jail and is charged with one count of Murder and three counts of Felony Discharge of a Firearm.

Charges are only allegations, and every arrested person is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.

No other information about this incident can be released at this time.

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