Usman Dalal Obituary, Death; Police ID 20-year-old killed in Sugar House shooting.
Usman Dalal Obituary, Death – Salt Lake City police have released the identity of the young man killed in a recent shooting in the Sugar House neighborhood. Officials confirmed that the victim was 20-year-old Usman Dalal, who lost his life in the early morning hours of Saturday.
According to the Salt Lake City Police Department, officers were dispatched shortly after 12:15 a.m. to the area of 1300 East Wilson Avenue following reports of gunfire. When authorities arrived, they found Dalal suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. Emergency responders rushed him to a hospital in critical condition, but despite medical efforts, he later succumbed to his injuries.
Investigators quickly identified Cesar Gonzalez Juarez, 24, as the suspect in the case. Juarez turned himself in at a police station later that day, telling officers that he had fired his weapon in self-defense. However, detectives determined that his account did not fully align with statements given by eyewitnesses at the scene. As a result, Juarez was booked on charges of first-degree murder and obstruction of justice, according to a probable cause affidavit.
Witnesses told police that the deadly encounter began as a verbal argument between Dalal and Juarez. The confrontation escalated into physical contact when Dalal allegedly struck Juarez in the head, causing him to fall. Witnesses said Juarez then fired several shots, with at least one round discharged into the air. Dalal attempted to flee but was tackled by another individual. At that point, witnesses reported, Juarez approached and fired additional rounds directly at Dalal, fatally wounding him.
Juarez’s version of events differed. He admitted to firing after being hit but claimed that all the rounds were discharged at once. This inconsistency with the witness statements led investigators to challenge his self-defense claim.
The victim’s family is now mourning the devastating loss of a young man they describe as loving and full of promise. A GoFundMe page established to help cover funeral and medical expenses portrays Dalal as someone who was deeply cherished by those around him.
“He was only 20 years old and he meant the world to everyone who got to know him,” the family wrote. “Usman had a big heart. He loved his family and friends, and he had so many hopes and dreams for his future. He will never be able to achieve those dreams because someone decided to take his life.”
The family also expressed gratitude for the outpouring of support they have received since the tragedy. “Thank you for supporting our family through what is truly the most difficult time in our lives. Your kindness, support, and love mean more to us than words can express,” the message continued.
As the investigation moves forward, police are working to piece together the exact sequence of events leading up to the fatal shooting. Meanwhile, the Sugar House community and Dalal’s loved ones are left to grieve the sudden and heartbreaking loss of a young life cut short.
