Parker & McConkie wrongful death attorneys Jim McConkie and Brian C. Stewart recently released an official statement supporting the manslaughter charges that Salt Lake County District Attorney Sim Gill has filed against Matthew Scott Alder, 43, who shot and killed Mr. Arthur “Afa” Folasa Ah Loo during the “No Kings” rally that took place in downtown Salt Lake City, Utah on June 14, 2025.
According to an official statement on the firm’s website, Mr. Ah Loo’s surviving spouse, Laura Ah Loo, is “pleased that District Attorney Sim Gill has chosen to prosecute Matt Alder, the so-called peacekeeper involved in the shooting death of her husband.”
The recent wrongful death in Salt Lake City, Utah
According to news accounts of the incident, Alder fired three shots into the crowd at the “No Kings” rally after seeing a man, later identified as Arturo Gamboa, carrying a rifle, and fearing a mass shooting. He wounded Gamboa and, with his third shot, killed Mr. Ah Loo, a bystander who was taking a video of the scene at the time.
On December 3, 2025, criminal charges were filed against Alder in Utah State Court as Case No. 251915142. These charges allege that Alder’s third shot, which killed Mr. Ah Loo, meets the criteria for manslaughter under Utah law.
“While you may have a right to use lethal force, that doesn’t mean that lethal force can be used in a reckless manner,” Gill stated.
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Alder’s wrongful act deprived Mr. Ah Loo’s wife, Laura, and two young children of a future with their beloved husband and father. Mr. Ah Loo was also a talented designer and an active member of the Polynesian community.
“The grief of losing him has been profound and overwhelming,” Laura wrote in an official statement released on Dec. 2, 2025.
In the wake of the fatal shooting of Mr. Ah Loo, his wife and surviving family members have secured representation from Parker & McConkie, a prestigious personal injury law firm that specializes in wrongful death cases. On their behalf, the firm’s renowned personal injury attorneys have called for full transparency and accountability from the various entities whose negligence contributed to the victim’s death.
Experienced Utah wrongful death lawyers support manslaughter charges
“These past five months have been long, painful, and deeply frustrating as we waited for answers after Afa’s life was so carelessly taken in June,” Laura’s statement explains. “For five months, there was no accountability or actions or clarity as to how such a horrific incident would be addressed, nor remorse from Matt Alder himself for taking Afa’s life from us and from the world.”
While nothing will bring Mr. Ah Loo back to his family, the recent charges bring a measure of peace. “Today’s charges represent a significant first step in the right direction and establish a precedent that I hope will lead to a safe environment at public gatherings in the future,” Laura continues. “No one else should have to go through what I have experienced in the future.”
Jim McConkie, founder of Parker & McConkie, welcomed the District Attorney’s case, stating that it “will help all of us understand what circumstances brought about this tragic loss of life.”
This criminal case will also be joined with the Ah Loos’ personal injury claim.
Personal injury lawyer, wrongful death attorney explains future wrongful death lawsuit
According to leading personal injury lawyer Brian C. Stewart, Partner at Parker and McConkie, the firm will soon file a wrongful death lawsuit against Alder. This timeline places the lawsuit well within the statute of limitations for wrongful death cases in Utah, which is two years after the victim’s date of death.
“The civil lawsuit will allow us the opportunity through the discovery process and the subpoena power to more fully investigate the incident and ensure that all the appropriate parties are held accountable and necessary changes are made,” Stewart said.
Top law firm for personal injury cases, including wrongful death cases
Many personal injury victims and survivors of a loved one’s death choose Parker & McConkie due to the law firm’s extensive track record of success in such cases. This Utah law firm handles high-profile lawsuits in which death was preventable, such as that of Gabby Petito, whose death occurred at the hands of her boyfriend, Brian Laundrie.
They are also skilled personal injury lawyers who are adept at establishing harm and obtaining settlements from car accidents and other causes, whether or not they resulted in a family member’s death.
What to do if you have a wrongful death claim
If your loved one’s death resulted from negligence in Utah, then you need an experienced wrongful death attorney right away. Wrongful death statutes limit the time within which these lawsuits can be filed. In addition, these cases are complex and can involve insurance companies that employ fleets of lawyers to try to avoid wrongful death settlements.
If you’ve experienced the wrongful death of a family member or become an accident victim yourself, the attorneys at Parker & McConkie have the experience you need to secure justice.
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Parker & McConkie operate on a contingency fee basis, meaning their compensation is paid out of the settlement at the end of the lawsuit. If they don’t win money on your behalf, then they don’t get paid.
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