James Randell Witten, 71, had no idea his evening trash run would be his last. The Air Force veteran stepped outside his West Point, Utah home on May 30 to dispose of household waste when a passing motorist opened fire, killing him in what authorities describe as a completely unprovoked and random attack.
Background
Witten, a 20-year Air Force veteran who served during the Vietnam War era, was simply carrying out a mundane evening chore when his life was violently cut short. According to witnesses, the shooting occurred while daylight still filled the sky — an otherwise ordinary moment shattered by gunfire that neighbors described hearing clearly through their windows.
"We heard the 'pop, pop, pop,' you know, and we went to the window and then the cops, you know, had blocked off the area," neighbor Sara Herzog told KSTU.
The Davis County Sheriff's Office launched an extensive investigation immediately following the shooting. Detectives canvassed the neighborhood, collected physical evidence, and sought information about a maroon Honda Civic observed leaving the area at the time of the incident. The investigation would eventually span weeks, with leads pointing investigators toward Nevada and ultimately California.
Witten's obituary describes a man who found joy in outdoor adventures: "His hobbies included hiking, biking, camping, serving his community, writing short stories and exploring the countryside in his RV," the tribute states. He "especially enjoyed camping and exploring with a group of neighbors, who challenged him to new adventures."
The Investigation
Authorities spent several weeks building their case, working closely with law enforcement partners in Las Vegas to identify and locate the suspect. Investigators noted early signs suggesting the perpetrator was likely someone from out of state — a detail that would prove crucial to breaking the case.
The Davis County Sheriff's Office announced they had arrested 23-year-old Axel Eduardo Chavez in connection with Witten's murder. According to officials, authorities believe Chavez is originally from El Salvador and had been living in Los Angeles prior to his arrest. How he came to be in Utah on May 30 remains part of the ongoing investigation.
Detectives were able to connect Chavez to the maroon Honda Civic spotted fleeing the West Point neighborhood. His capture occurred in Las Vegas on June 16, after which he was extradited back to Utah to face charges.
Chavez has been booked into the Davis County Jail facing one count of murder, felony discharge of a firearm, obstruction of justice, and prohibited dangerous weapon conduct. The sheriff's office emphasized during a press conference that their investigation found no connection between the suspect and victim — this appears to have been an act of random violence with no apparent motive.
Witten's wife, Maria Witten, shared her perspective on the senseless nature of her husband's death. "They killed an old man who was doing no harm," she told KSTU. "I think that they just decided when they were driving down that they were gonna shoot the first person they saw in a yard." The characterization aligns with law enforcement's assessment that the killing wastotally random.
Key Takeaways
- James Randell Witten, 71, was shot and killed outside his West Point, Utah home on May 30 while taking out the trash
- Axel Eduardo Chavez, 23, has been charged with murder and related offenses in connection with the killing
- Investigators believe the shooting was completely random — no connection between suspect and victim has been established
- The suspect is believed to be from El Salvador and was living in Los Angeles before his arrest
- Chavez was apprehended in Las Vegas on June 16 and extradited to Utah
What's Next
Chavez remains in custody at the Davis County Jail without bond as he awaits further court proceedings. His next scheduled court appearance has not yet been publicly announced, though formal arraignment is expected within the coming weeks. The case will be prosecuted in Davis County District Court, where prosecutors will present evidence supporting the charges against him. Investigators continue to examine the circumstances surrounding the shooting and any additional potential witnesses who may have observed the incident or the suspect's vehicle that evening.
The community of West Point has been left reeling by the random nature of Witten's killing — a veteran and active neighbor senselessly murdered during an ordinary errand.