Three blasts from a 9mm handgun claimed Nicholas Dirkson's life Saturday, sparking grief in his family that will last a life-time.
But one phone call to police could be a first step in helping the family cope with the pain, the victim's father said Monday."It's hard to get through this knowing the individual who killed our son is still on the loose," Richard Dirkson said. "We're asking anyone who knows the whereabouts of this individual to have compassion, put themselves in our shoes, come forward and contact authorities."
On Saturday, 17-year-old Nicholas Dirkson walked outside the Kentucky Fried Chicken restaurant where he worked at 285 W. 7200 South about 7 p.m. to talk to a group of teens he suspected had stolen his car stereo.
Nicholas had reportedly put the word out earlier that he knew who swiped his stereo and wanted it back.
Apparently angered at what was being said about them, the teens decided to find Nicholas at the restaurant, said Midvale Police Capt. Dan Pearson.
Moments later, the father of twin daughters was dead.
Following the shooting, witnesses say the suspects jumped into a van and sped away. An off-duty Salt Lake police officer tailed them in his private car but lost sight of the van about 9000 South on State Street.
Detectives arrested three juvenile suspects the next day but believe the triggerman is still at large.
"We think the (gunman) is in the (Salt Lake Valley) area. We still haven't recovered the murder weapon" said Pearson.
Police are echoing Richard Dirkson's plea for public help in nabbing any remaining suspects.
Phokham Keomanivong, 17,Kearns, is being sought for questioning. Investigators warn Keomanivong could be armed and should be considered very dangerous.
City authorities call the weekend slaying an unwelcome, "tragic first" for Midvale. "We've never had a gang-related murder in the city. . . . We're not excited about it," said Pearson.
Although the suspects are believed to be gang members, Pearson said the victim was not involved in any type of gang activity.
Meanwhile, family members say Nicholas was in the process of overcoming past troubles and carving out a good life for his girlfriend, Nicole Powell, 19, and their 17-month-old daughters, Rebecca and Rachelle.
"Nicholas had made some decisions that his mother and I didn't always agree with, but his involvement with Nicole and his daughters helped him realize there were things he could achieve," Richard Dirkson said.