The Davis County Sheriff’s Office says the suspected vehicle has been found.
WEST POINT, Utah — A man wanted in the fatal shooting of 71-year-old James Randell “Randy” Witten was arrested Tuesday in Las Vegas, more than two weeks after the military veteran was killed outside his home, Davis County officials said.
Authorities identified the suspect as Axel Eduardo Chavez, 23. The arrest follows a multi-state investigation into the May 30 shooting near 2000 West and 200 North in West Point, where witnesses said a gunman approached Witten after arriving in a maroon Honda Civic.
Davis County sheriff’s deputy Taylor West said investigators worked around the clock after the shooting and followed information outside Utah. “That’s just where the investigation led us,” West said of the Las Vegas arrest. He said local police in Nevada helped take Chavez into custody after Utah investigators developed information about his identity and location.
Chavez was arrested on a Utah warrant for investigation of murder, felony discharge of a firearm with serious bodily injury, obstruction of justice in a criminal investigation and prohibited dangerous weapon conduct. He remained jailed in Nevada pending extradition. Officials said a no-bail warrant had been issued through the Davis County Attorney’s Office.
The sheriff’s office said the maroon Honda Civic believed to have been involved has been located. Detectives had earlier sought help finding the car after witnesses described it at the scene. West said investigators used camera footage from businesses, cars and other sources while narrowing their search.
Officials said several questions remain unanswered. Detectives have not announced a motive and have not said whether Witten and Chavez knew each other. They also are investigating whether any other people may have taken part in the shooting or helped Chavez afterward.
Chavez is believed by detectives to be from El Salvador and to have been living in Los Angeles. Investigators have not said what brought him to Utah before Witten was killed. The sheriff’s office is seeking information about Chavez’s whereabouts from May 28 through June 16.
The case remains active as Davis County officials prepare for Chavez’s return to Utah. More court filings and possible charging decisions are expected after extradition from Nevada.
Author note: Last updated June 17, 2026.