Third suspect arrested in connection with murder at Mount Olympus trailhead

SOUTHERN SALT LAKE – A third suspect was arrested Thursday in connection with the shooting at the Mount Olympus trailhead that killed 18-year-old Naod Welday on Aug. 3, according to the Salt Lake County Sheriff's Office.

According to a press release, 19-year-old Alexander Ruiz-Martinez is a documented gang member and now faces murder charges. Police said they obtained a search warrant for Ruiz-Martinez's home on Thursday, which led to his arrest.

Two suspects were arrested on Monday, a 15-year-old whose name is not being released, and 20-year-old Mateo Martinez. Both are also documented gang members, according to Sheriff Rosie Rivera of the Salt Lake County Sheriff's Office. Police believe another person was involved in the incident.

2 gang members arrested in connection with murder at Mount Olympus Trailhead, 2 attackers still at large

According to court documents, Welday and two others were in the dark parking lot at the Mount Olympus Trailhead shortly before 4:30 a.m. on August 3. At some point, for an unknown reason, four assailants approached the car and began pounding on the windows.

Welday, who was in the driver's seat, reportedly called 911. Police said the suspects forced their way into the locked car by breaking windows, which led to a shootout. The attack and shooting were reportedly recorded on the 911 call.

According to police, neither Welday nor the two other people in Welday's car were involved in any gang activity.

“We remain committed to bringing all those responsible for this murder to justice,” Rivera said. “Our officers and detectives continue to work hard on this case. Their efforts have paid off with another successful arrest.”

The investigation is ongoing and anyone with additional information is asked to call the Sheriff's Office at 801-840-4000.