West Jordan man trying ‘to be funny’ allegedly shoots best friend, police say

WEST JORDAN, Utah ( ABC4 ) — A West Jordan man is facing a misdemeanor charge of negligent homicide after allegedly shooting and killing his best friend while “trying to be funny,” according to police documents.

Anthony Sanchez, 29, reportedly told police he and his friend, Dylan Miller-Mottome, 27, were watching television on Tuesday, March 26, when Sanchez “did something funny enough” for Miller-Mottome to pull out his phone and start recording.

“[Sanchez] state that he pulled his gun out to be funny, not knowing it was loaded,” West Jordan PD wrote in a booking affidavit. “[Sanchez] pointed the loaded firearm at [Miller-Mottome] and pulled the trigger and shot [him] in the chest.”

Sanchez reportedly called 9-1-1 screaming that he “actually shot someone.” According to the booking affidavit, Sanchez further said that he could not believe he had shot his best friend.

Miller-Mottome was taken to Intermountain Medical Center in Murray in critical condition. He later died due to the gunshot.

First responders reportedly found drug paraphernalia nearby where the gun was found, according to the booking affidavit. Sanchez allegedly admitted to having used cocaine the night before but denied having used drugs the day of the shooting. Sanchez also told officers he and Miller-Mottome were not in any fight or argument.

Detectives said there may be video of the incident on a cell phone but said it is “unknown who the phone belongs to.”

In addition to facing a charge of misdemeanor negligent homicide, Sanchez also faces third-degree felony charges of discharge of a firearm and possession of a dangerous weapon by a restricted person.

Charges are allegations only. All arrested persons are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.

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