Federal Charges Filed Against Two Men in Deadly Utah Church Shooting

A federal grand jury has brought weapons charges against two men linked to a January shooting at a Salt Lake City church that killed two and wounded six. The violence erupted during a funeral at a Mormon church that primarily serves Tongan congregants.

Federal prosecutors have brought weapons-related charges against two individuals connected to a deadly January shooting at a Salt Lake City church that claimed two lives and left six others wounded.

Court documents made public on Friday reveal that 32-year-old Ryan Toutai faces charges for illegally transferring a firearm, while 26-year-old Fineeva Maka is accused of possessing a weapon as a convicted felon, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for Utah’s District.

Federal investigators linked both men to a handgun found at the scene of the January 7th incident using evidence from mobile phone recordings, photographs, and GPS monitoring device data, prosecutors stated. Authorities believe both suspects have gang affiliations.

The deadly confrontation occurred in the rear parking area of a Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints facility. According to investigators, the gunfire stemmed from a conflict among acquaintances who had gathered for a funeral service. All those killed and wounded were adults. Authorities have not yet filed murder charges in connection with the deaths.

The congregation primarily serves members of Tongan heritage, according to the church’s online information. LDS missionaries first brought their religious teachings to the Pacific island nation of Tonga during the 1890s. Utah now houses more than one-quarter of America’s Tongan community, with the state serving as the Mormon church’s headquarters.

Both Toutai and Maka have court appearances scheduled for Tuesday. Legal representation for the defendants could not be confirmed, and attempts to contact them directly were unsuccessful. The federal public defender’s office was also unavailable for comment.

Law enforcement had previously taken Toutai into custody on felony charges of obstructing justice related to this case. He remained incarcerated as of Saturday. A third individual also faces similar obstruction charges.