Booking photo for Juan Carlos Miranda from the Cache County Jail.
LOGAN — A 23-year-old Smithfield man has confessed to his part in the burglary and shooting at a Logan home in April. Juan Carlos Miranda accepted a plea deal, allowing him to be released from jail, while police continue to look for the primary suspect Julio Dalton Lopez.
According to court records, Miranda appeared Monday morning in 1st District Court in Logan. He waived his rights to a preliminary hearing and fair trial, pleading guilty to criminal trespass of a dwelling, amended to a class A misdemeanor.
As part of the plea agreement, Miranda was sentenced to 40 days in jail and given credit for the 40 days already served. He had been incarcerated since being arrested May 3.
Based on prosecutor’s evidence, Miranda was with Lopez when they forced themselves into the Logan home near 280 Bridger Drive, early on the morning of April 22. The homeowner, stated three individuals entered his residence and he had shot one of them with a 9mm handgun.
When officers arrived at the house, they found Lopez lying in the driveway with a gunshot wound to the abdomen. Paramedics transported him to Logan Regional Hospital, where he made comments about knowing the homeowner and “taking care of business,” according to the arrest affidavit.
The homeowner explained a white truck was seen leaving the area. Officers located the vehicle shortly after and conducted a traffic stop near 800 N. 100 W. Miranda and Yahir Morales-Aguirre said they had dropped off Lopez at the home.
Miranda told investigators he was in the vehicle during the incident. He admitted to hearing the confrontation, gunshot and seeing Lopez being dragged out of the residence by the homeowner. However, police later determined Miranda was in the house with Lopez.
Police have said they do not believe the incident was a random burglary attempt. Investigators suspect there was an ongoing dispute between the individuals that triggered the incident.
A warrant has been issued for Lopez after he reportedly fled from an Ogden Hospital, where he was receiving treatment following the shooting. Police have had multiple involvements with him and are considering him a fugitive.