A teen’s fatal shooting in northern Utah has stunned families across the Salt Lake City metro.
On Tuesday, October 7, 2025, a 16-year-old—identified by loved ones as Mason Caballero—was shot in an Ogden neighborhood near Ben Lomond High School shortly before 3:00 p.m.
The teen made it onto campus seeking help, where school staff and a school resource officer performed lifesaving measures until first responders arrived.
Despite rapid treatment, he died from his injuries.
The incident prompted a brief secure protocol at nearby schools as officers searched the surrounding area and began gathering evidence.
Community grief quickly turned into action.
On Wednesday evening, hundreds of residents, classmates, and educators gathered for a candlelight vigil outside Ben Lomond High to remember Mason’s life and support his family.
The school district deployed additional counselors for students and staff, emphasizing that resources will remain available as long as needed.
While the homicide occurred in Ogden, the case has renewed concerns about youth violence throughout the Salt Lake City region.
The Salt Lake City Police Department (SLCPD) has highlighted ongoing homicide and major-case work across the metro, coordinating with partner agencies on crime-trend analysis, threat assessment, and public safety messaging.
Investigators stress that timely tips from the public—especially home security or doorbell footage from the blocks around 5th Street and Gramercy Avenue—can be pivotal in identifying those responsible.
Key Facts at a Glance
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Victim | Mason Caballero, 16 |
| Date & Time | Oct. 7, 2025, just before 3:00 p.m. |
| Initial Location | Area of 500 N & Gramercy Ave., Ogden |
| School Impact | Secure protocol briefly enacted; controlled dismissal |
| Medical Aid | School staff and SRO provided lifesaving measures |
| Suspect Status | At large; active search and evidence review |
| Community Response | Vigil held Oct. 8; counselors on campus |
| Lead Agency | Ogden Police Department (with regional coordination by SLCPD) |
What Happened
Witness information and preliminary findings indicate the shooting took place near a residential intersection a few blocks from the high school.
After being wounded, the teen entered the campus and alerted adults. Staff initiated emergency protocols, quickly joined by the school resource officer and responding medics.
Administrators coordinated with police to lock exterior doors and limit movement while officers verified there was no ongoing threat to students inside classrooms.
Once the perimeter was secure, schools coordinated a guarded release for dismissal.
Detectives canvassed the neighborhood for surveillance video, collected physical evidence, and interviewed potential witnesses.
The motive remains under investigation. Officials underscored that this incident is not connected to unrelated threats reported previously at the school.
Community Support and Safety Steps
Friends described Mason as a kind, funny, and hardworking teenager who loved his family and friends. The vigil featured candles, photos, and messages of remembrance.
In parallel, the district activated crisis-response teams so students could speak with counselors one-on-one or in small groups.
Parents are being encouraged to discuss conflict de-escalation, safe routes, and how to report concerns immediately.
Police also urged residents to review doorbell and driveway cameras, save relevant clips, and share them with investigators.
Even small details—like unusual vehicle movement or individuals seen before or after the incident—can help reconstruct the timeline.
Why SLCPD Is in the Spotlight
Although Ogden Police is the lead agency, the scope of the tragedy resonates across the Salt Lake City area.
SLCPD’s full-time Homicide Squad—and parallel violent-crime units in neighboring cities—often share intelligence and best practices to speed up suspect identification and prevention efforts.
Officials reiterated their commitment to data-driven policing, youth outreach, and community partnerships to curb retaliatory violence and keep school communities safe.
The fatal shooting of a 16-year-old near Ben Lomond High School has left a deep mark on Ogden and the wider Salt Lake City community.
With the suspect still at large, collective vigilance matters: share video, speak up with tips, and support those who are grieving.
Coordinated work by Ogden Police, SLCPD, schools, and families remains essential to deliver accountability, restore confidence, and protect the well-being of every student.
FAQs
Has anyone been arrested?
As of October 9, 2025, no arrest has been announced. The suspect remains at large, and detectives are pursuing leads and video evidence.
Is this connected to any previous school threats?
Authorities say no—the shooting is not linked to prior threats at the school. It appears to be an isolated incident under active investigation.
What can the public do to help?
Provide tips, video footage, and any observations from 5th Street, Gramercy Ave., and surrounding blocks on Oct. 7. Parents and guardians can also reinforce report-it-now habits with teens.




