PUBLIC RELATIONS UNIT

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Media Contact Information: PolicePRUnit@slcgov.com

Media Request Form: https://slcpd.com/mediarequest/

SLCPD Provides Update on Shooting, Victim Dies

SALT LAKE CITY — The Salt Lake City Police Department is providing an update on the shooting that took place early Sunday morning in the Sugar House neighborhood.

The victim, J’kye Lovell Ray Watkins, died this morning at a local hospital.

This investigation started at 1:34 a.m. on Sunday, September 10, 2023, when SLC911 received several 9-1-1 calls about a shooting at 909 East 2100 South.

Officers found Watkins on the ground and started life-saving efforts. Paramedics took him to the hospital in extremely critical condition.

This marks the 13^th homicide in Salt Lake City for 2023.

Witnesses told police the suspect(s) left in a car in an unknown direction.

Despite an extensive search for the suspect(s), no arrests have been made.

Based on the preliminary investigation, detectives do not believe there is any immediate threat to the public.

Officers have learned a fight occurred just before the shooting.

Detectives are working to confirm whether that fight had any connection to this incident.

Detectives believe several people witnessed the shooting and left before police arrived. Those people likely have critical information to the timeline of the shooting and are asked to come forward.

Anyone with information about this case, including photos or video, is asked to call 801-799-3000.

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