An alleged member of the Crips gang was shot to death during his trial in Salt Lake City. According to reports by Salt Lake Tribune, Siale Angilau, 25, was standing trial when he rushed the witness stand.
Authorities say Angilau held a pencil in his hand when he approached the witness stand while a witness was testifying against him. The witness was Angilau’s former friend and a member of the Crips who testified about the operations inside the gang.
A U.S. marshal fired eight shots at Angilau and he was struck in the chest. He was rushed to the hospital and later died.
Angilau and 17 other gang members were indicted on 29 counts of racketeering, conspiracy, assault and robbery.
After the shooting, Judge Tena Campbell declared a mistrial after members of the jury expressed their displeasure with the killing inside the courtroom. It was ruled that Angilau was not allowed the opportunity to be given a fair trial.
Authorities have yet to say if the U.S. marshal responsible for the shooting will be investigated.
