Kari Lynn San
Miguel, 20
UT, West Jordan,
Salt Lake Co.
November 26, 2004
Kari was killed in an early morning shooting,
following which her boyfriend, Jose Luis Topete,
was arrested for investigation of manslaughter, possession of a firearm by a
restricted person and possession of a stolen firearm, all second-degree
felonies. The parties’ two young children were sleeping in the residence at the
time of the shooting.
At about 1:00 A.M.,
West Jordan Police responded to a domestic violence call at the victim’s
residence. Upon arrival they found the victim, who had been shot once in the
upper torso. Witnesses had heard arguing at the residence before the shooting.
Although police
originally stated that the shooting was probably non-intentional based upon the
fact that the fatal bullet went through Topete’s left hand before entering
Kari’s torso, they later discounted Topete’s claim that the gun discharged
accidentally while tucked in his pants. Police said the “double-action” .357
revolver would have had to have been cocked in Topete’s pants for it to go off
accidentally. “If not cocked, it requires a ‘heavy trigger pull’ in order to
discharge,” court documents state.
Following a review
of the case, the Salt Lake District Attorney’s Office, on December 2, filed
charges against Topete of second degree felony manslaughter, felony possession
or use of a fire arm by a restricted person, theft by receiving stolen property
and obstructing justice. As of the end of 2004, further judicial proceedings
were pending in the Third Judicial District Court.
Sources:
NoMoreSecrets.Utah.gov -Document Index - 2004
Domestic Violence Related Deaths - 2004
Domestic & Sexual Violence Report
Salt Lake Tribune,
November 27 & December 3, 2004; Deseret Morning News, November 27 &
December 5, 2004 & January 2, 2005
NoMoreSecrets.Utah.gov -Document Index - 2004
Domestic Violence Related Deaths - 2004
Domestic & Sexual Violence Report
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