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DA’s Office: Officers justified in shooting Magna murder suspect

Posted at 4:06 PM, Sep 27, 2016
and last updated 2016-09-27 18:12:14-04
Jason A. Black

Jason A. Black

SALT LAKE CITY – The Salt Lake County District Attorney’s Office ruled Tuesday that officers were justified in shooting a Magna murder suspect in June.

On June 2, police worked together in a task force to serve a search warrant at a South Jordan home in hopes of finding and arresting Jason Allen Black, accused of murdering Natalia Casagrande on May 31, according to the DA’s Office.

When officers arrived at the home, Black’s father answered the door. He told police his son was inside. When officers encountered Black, the DA’s Office says, Black had a gun in his right hand.

“Police ordered Mr. Black to drop the gun, but he did not,” according to the DA. “Instead, he turned toward police officers and started to raise his handgun.”

Unified Police Officer Lavin and Deputy U.S. Marshal Evans fired their weapons at Black, who was hit several times, according to the DA’s Office.

Black was taken to an area hospital in critical condition. He survived his injuries and was later booked into Salt Lake County Jail on aggravated murder charges.

After an investigation into the officer-involved shooting, the DA’s Office ruled use of deadly force was justified.

Black is scheduled to appear in court in December for a special scheduling conference.