WEBER COUNTY, Utah — Investigators have determined a Riverdale man acted in self-defense in the shooting death of his girlfriend at their home earlier this year.
Scott Sandlin, 41, was booked into the Weber County Jail, Tuesday, on charges of possession of firearms as a restricted person, drug possession and child endangerment related to the Feb. 7 incident.
Riverdale police responded to a 911 call at 10:52 p.m. from Sandlin who said he shot his girlfriend, Jenna Manuel, after she came at him with a butcher knife, according to a press release from the police department. The couple lived in the home with Manuel’s 8-year-old daughter, who was home during the incident.
Sandlin told authorities he and Manuel had got into an argument and he attempted to leave. According to the release, Sandlin told investigators Manuel, 30, grabbed a knife and “advanced towards him in a threatening manner.”
Officers on scene identified the deceased woman in the house as Manuel. According to the release, a butcher was found in her hand.
“Scott reported he feared for his life and acted in self-defense when he shot Jenna at a very close proximity,” the release states. “Evidence collected at the scene corroborated Scott’s statement he gave regarding the incident.”
A search warrant executed in conjunction with the investigation yielded marijuana and drug paraphernalia used to ingest marijuana, according to the release. All items were within reach of Manuel’s daughter.
Also found in the home were two pistols, a shotgun and a rifle.
A blood sample from Sandlin analyzed by the State Crime lab showed he had THC and THC metabolite in his system, which made him a category II restricted person from possessing firearms, according to the release.
After processing and reviewing evidence statements, charges were screened by the Weber County Attorney’s Office.
Sandlin was then booked into the Weber County Jail, Tuesday, on four counts of possession of a dangerous weapon by a restricted person, a third-degree felony; child endangerment, a third-degree felony; possession of marijuana, a class B misdemeanor; and possession of drug paraphernalia, also a class B misdemeanor.
“This is a tragic event for the families, friends and the community,” the release states. “Riverdale Police Department expresses our sincere condolences.”
