SOUTH SALT LAKE, Utah — Salman Farhan Ahmed, 21, was arrested over the weekend after being accused of murder and assault in a tragic incident that unfolded late Saturday night in South Salt Lake.
At around 11:40 p.m. on Saturday, South Salt Lake police responded to a disturbing altercation in a parking lot near 2531 S. 400 East. Ahmed, who was driving a vehicle with three women and an 18-year-old man, got into a confrontation with one of the female passengers. According to the police affidavit, Ahmed punched two of the women in the face before pulling out a firearm from the front seat area and threatening to shoot one of the passengers.
In an attempt to intervene, the 18-year-old man stepped in to stop Ahmed. This led to a physical fight, during which Ahmed fired a fatal shot into the young man’s back. The victim collapsed from his injuries, and Ahmed, in a panic, closed the vehicle doors and fled the scene, leaving the man and the three women behind in the parking lot.
The 18-year-old male was rushed to a local hospital, but tragically succumbed to his injuries. Police issued a public appeal to locate Ahmed, who they considered a person of interest in the shooting.
Hours later, Ahmed was found and arrested. During his interview, he admitted to destroying his cellphone, which he did to destroy evidence related to the crime. Authorities charged him with murder, aggravated assault, theft, obstruction of justice, and more.
This arrest marks the second time in less than three years that Ahmed has been linked to a homicide investigation. In 2022, Ahmed was charged with murder in connection with the shooting death of Talib “Kunda” Ahmed, 18, in a gang-related altercation at a 7-Eleven. Initially facing murder charges, Ahmed accepted a plea deal in 2024, pleading guilty to illegal discharge of a firearm and being a restricted person in possession of a weapon. His prison sentence was suspended, and he was placed on probation.
Ahmed’s criminal history raises concerns, particularly as he was convicted of drug distribution in December 2023 and placed on probation at the time of this recent incident. Due to his probation status, he was prohibited from possessing a firearm, making his actions even more egregious.
Salt Lake County District Attorney Sim Gill stated that despite the challenges in securing convictions in past cases due to witness cooperation issues, Ahmed could face prison time if found guilty of violating his probation or other charges related to this new case. Authorities are currently reviewing potential charges from Ahmed’s latest arrest.
As the investigation continues, Ahmed remains in custody, awaiting further legal proceedings.
