WEST VALLEY CITY, Utah — A Halloween party shooting in West Valley City that killed 2 teens in West Valley City is renewing concerns about youth violence across Utah.

"Data is showing that these young kids are getting involved in gangs younger and they're committing more violent crimes," Salt Lake County Sheriff Rosie Rivera said.

She says the Salt Lake Area Gang Project , also known as Metro Gang Unit — meant to identify and prevent criminal gang activity through education and enforcement — has shifted its attention from adult gangs to youth. "We have seen an increase in shootings involving juveniles. Just in 2024, there were about 18 who were charged with murder," Rivera said. "That's concerning."

Maria Sanchez is a manager with the Salt Lake Area Gang Project's prevention interve

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