By John Todd | Rio Linda Online
Sept. 27, 2026
An Elverta man arrested in California months after a deadly shooting outside a Salt Lake City funeral is now asking a Utah court to dismiss the charges against him on self-defense grounds.
John Vea Uasike Jr. of Elverta faces two murder counts and other gun-related charges in the Jan. 7 shooting at a church in Salt Lake City’s Rose Park neighborhood. Sione Vatuvei and Vaea Tulikihihifo were killed. Six other men were injured, including Uasike and his brother.
Salt Lake City police identified Uasike as a suspect after reviewing physical evidence, witness statements and tips. He was arrested in California in April, according to a police statement.
At a hearing Friday, Uasike’s brother testified that he was shot before Uasike fired. He said Uasike had picked up a gun that fell during an earlier confrontation and was heading toward their car when the shots began. Prosecutors challenged his account, citing witnesses who previously said Uasike was the first to pull a gun.
The judge found enough evidence to consider Uasike’s self-defense claim. That finding does not establish that he acted in self-defense. Prosecutors must now show by clear and convincing evidence that the shooting was not justified to keep the case from being dismissed.
Attorneys are scheduled to present arguments Nov. 16, with a ruling expected afterward.
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