On the evening of January 8, 2026, gunfire erupted in a South Ogden neighborhood on the 1300 block of 5800 South. Forty-five-year-old Brandon Kay stepped outside his home after hearing the disturbance and was struck by two bullets, one to the stomach and one to the head. He was transported to the hospital with critical injuries and died on January 13, 2026.

According to charging documents, the shots came from a neighboring house and were fired by 45-year-old James Joseph Rios. A son of Kay’s who had gone outside was shot in the foot. The family’s Dachshund, Samson, was also shot and killed. Responding officers faced an active shooter situation; Rios surrendered the following morning and was taken into custody. Investigators recovered a rifle and numerous casings inside the neighbor’s home, and charging papers say Rios confessed, citing internal anger. Charges were later amended to include aggravated murder plus multiple counts related to attempted aggravated murder, discharge of a firearm, and aggravated cruelty to an animal.

Kay is remembered in the community as a devoted husband, father, and grandfather with a strong work ethic and faith. If anyone witnessed the shooting or has information about the events that night, please come forward.