Man arrested in connection to West Point shooting that killed 71-year-old veteran
by Curtis Booker ksl · KSL.comWEST POINT — A man accused of shooting and killing a 71‑year‑old military veteran in West Point late last month has been arrested, the Davis County Sheriff's Office announced on Tuesday.
On May 30, James Randell "Randy" Witten was shot in front of his home near 2000 West and 200 North.
On Tuesday, detectives said Axel Eduardo Chavez, 23, was taken into custody by the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department in connection with the shooting.
In a press conference with reporters later Tuesday afternoon, Davis County Sheriff's deputy Taylor West said investigators had early indications that the suspect was likely someone from out of state.
"We've been working multiple leads in various states; we were able to collaborate with law enforcement in Las Vegas, who were able to assist us in that — that's just where the investigation led us," he said.
Chavez was arrested on a warrant out of Utah for investigation of murder, felony discharge of a firearm with serious bodily injury, obstruction of justice in a criminal investigation and prohibited dangerous weapon conduct.
Witnesses told KSL last month that a red Honda Civic pulled up to Witten's home before a young male suspect got out and rushed toward the man while firing.
"The maroon Honda Civic believed to have been involved in the incident has been located, and investigators are no longer seeking information regarding its whereabouts," the press release says.
Chavez is being held in Nevada pending extradition to Utah.
West said investigators have yet to determine a motive for the alleged shooting. It's also unknown whether Witten and Chavez knew each other.
The investigation is ongoing, and detectives are working to determine if others may have been involved in the shooting. The Davis County Sheriff's Office is asking for anyone with knowledge of Chavez's whereabouts between May 28 and June 16 to contact investigators.
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Curtis Booker
Curtis Booker is a reporter for KSL.