SLCPD Bike Officers Arrest 36-Year-Old Man Accused of Drug Distribution Near Jordan River Trail
April 8, 2025SLCPD Launches New Public Crime Map to Increase Transparency, Community Awareness
April 11, 2025 |
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE April 8, 2025 Media Contact Information |
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SLCPD Detectives Arrests Suspect in 2022 Homicide of Anetupou NiualikuSALT LAKE CITY — Today, detectives with the Salt Lake City Police Department’s (SLCPD) Homicide Squad, with the assistance of the SLCPD’s SWAT Team, have safely arrested a suspect in connection with the 2022 shooting death of 50-year-old Anetupou Niualiku. The suspect is identified as 31-year-old Oakland Alope Taoipu Faamoe. Detectives have booked Faamoe into the Salt Lake County Metro Jail on charges of murder, obstruction of justice, and felony discharge of a firearm. This investigation began at approximately 9:22 a.m. on Sunday, January 23, 2022, when SLC911 received information about a possible shooting near 130 South and 800 West. Witnesses described a white Hyundai Sonata being driven out of the area immediately after shots were fired, according to court documents. Niualiku died on scene. This arrest follows a comprehensive, years-long investigation conducted by SLCPD homicide detectives, who worked closely with prosecutors to develop new leads and identify the alleged suspect. Investigators used surveillance video, cellphone data, vehicle records, and witness interviews to piece together crucial information connecting Faamoe to the alleged shooting. On March 18, 2025, the SLCPD released photos of the suspect vehicle and appealed to the public for information as part of an effort to generate new leads in this case. Following months of investigative efforts, a witness came forward with new information identifying Faamoe as the person responsible for the alleged homicide. The witness also reported another person involved in the incident confessed that Faamoe had committed the shooting. Detectives later confirmed Faamoe had driven a white Hyundai matching the suspect vehicle and had received a traffic ticket in the vehicle just days before the alleged homicide. Additional evidence, including phone records, placed Faamoe and the second individual in the area at the time of the alleged homicide and in direct contact before and after the alleged incident. This case reflects the dedicated work of our homicide detectives and their commitment to seeking justice. The SLCPD hopes this arrest brings a measure of peace to Niualiku’s family and our community. The firearm used in the alleged homicide remains unrecovered. Detectives continue to seek information from anyone who may have relevant knowledge. People with information about this case are encouraged to call 801-799-3000. Charges are only allegations, and every arrested person is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. The Salt Lake City Police Department is not the custodian of record for jail booking photos. Utah Code 17-22-30 mostly prohibits the release of jail booking photos. Generally, a jail booking photo can only be released by the custodian of record after a conviction or when law enforcement determines the person is a fugitive or an imminent threat to a person or public safety. In Salt Lake City, the Salt Lake County Sheriff’s Office is the custodian of record for jail booking photos. The information contained in this news release is based on a preliminary review of the details available to the Salt Lake City Police Department. As the investigation progresses, information may change.
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