A father hopes that an incident involving his son inside a church—just moments before a tragedy outside claimed two lives in Salt Lake City—will serve as a turning point and an opportunity to change his son’s life.
This comes after police arrested and charged 32-year-old Ryan Daniel Toutai in connection with the shooting that occurred outside the church during a funeral memorial gathering.
Ryan denied any involvement and refused to cooperate with police before authorities charged him with one count of obstruction of justice, a second-degree felony.
The two men killed have been identified as Tongans Sione Vatuvei, 36, and Vaea Tulikihihifo, 46—both well known within the Tongan community.
In the hours following the tragedy, videos circulated on social media showing a young man dressed in a black long-sleeve top and loose black pants, with his head covered by a black beanie and his hair tied back, holding what appeared to be a bottle of beer.
It has been reported that Ryan was speaking at the funeral memorial service moments before the shooting occurred outside.
The footage divided online opinion.
Many criticised the young man for bringing alcohol onto church property, describing it as disrespectful and inappropriate given the sacred setting.
Others disagreed, arguing that carrying a beer was far less serious than other harmful behaviours and should not overshadow the gravity of the tragedy.
“Not judging but someone should remind them that this is sacred building and alcohol is not allowed,” a commenter wrote.
“Why is this guy holding a bottle of beer in his hand inside the chapel.”
Supporters argued that bringing beer into the church was understandable because the man was young.
On Wednesday, Mana Toutai addressed the issue in a Facebook livestream, revealing that the young man was his son, although he did not disclose the young man’s name.
“I apologise sincerely to everyone who was hurt or offended,” he wrote.
Mana apologised to the community and acknowledged that his son should not have brought alcohol into a church.
He shared that upon hearing about the incident, he was heartbroken and wanted to reach out to his son to reassure him of his love despite his mistakes.
He said that his son’s behaviour was wrong, regardless of the circumstances.
“My son was wrong and I accept responsibility as his father.”
His apology drew positive reactions from followers, as the video accumulated over 650 reactions, 140 shares, 200 comments, and 56,000 views.
Mana’s video was widely praised for providing a positive example to the community, especially as Tongan parents in Utah grapple with the serious issue of youth gang involvement.
Investigators say Ryan “has reported involvement” with a street gang with a long history in Salt Lake City “and was at the event dressed in gang colors and attire.”
As investigations continue, the Tongan community in Salt Lake City and beyond is left grappling with grief, shock, and the challenge of healing in the wake of a tragedy that has reverberated far beyond the church walls.
Vatuvei was once a member of the Tongan Crips, according to federal prosecutors who sent him to prison for a 2009 robbery. Vatuvei had since become a social media influencer who encouraged others to stay away from gangs and addiction.
That 2024 report on gangs listed Crips among the four biggest gangs in Utah, along with Bloods, Sureños and Norteños. A quarter of Utah’s prison inmates were gang members, the report said.
