Killer of Dennis Gwyther sentenced to 25+ years in prison

In a case that left Utah’s LGBTQ+ community stunned, Jonathan Mendoza Llana, a 49-year-old man from Los Angeles, was sentenced to a minimum of 25 years in the Utah State Prison for his role in a heinous shooting incident that resulted in the death of a community activist and left another injured. The incident occurred on May 22, 2019, as victims Dennis Rowley Gwyther, 50, and a passenger were driving from Salt Lake City to Boise.

Llana, who pleaded guilty and mentally ill to charges of murder, attempted murder, and multiple counts of felony discharge of a firearm as part of a plea deal back in April, appeared before First District Judge Brandon Maynard for sentencing on Tuesday. The court handed down a 15-year-to-life prison term for the murder charge, a three-year-to-life term for attempted murder, and two separate fiveyear-to-life terms for each count of felony discharge of a firearm. The sentences were to be served consecutively, with the exception of the attempted murder sentence, which would run concurrently.

Gwyther and the passenger were SkyWest flight attendants who were heading to Boise, Idaho to work a flight. On I-84, 24 miles northwest of Tremonton, Utah, a Volkswagen Jetta driven by Llana pulled alongside their vehicle. Without warning, Llana opened fire, unleashing a barrage of shots into Gwyther’s car. The attack claimed the life of Gwyther and injured his passenger. Despite a thorough investigation, authorities struggled to determine any motive behind the senseless act of violence, and there was no indication that road rage or a hate crime had triggered the shooting.

The tragedy resulted in a prolonged legal process, complicated by uncertainty surrounding Llana’s mental state. At one point, prosecutors in Box Elder County had sought the death penalty for Llana, though this pursuit was later abandoned. Additionally, Llana’s mental competency was called into question, leading to his placement in Utah’s State Hospital for treatment aimed at restoring his competence to stand trial.

Gwyther was very active in Salt Lake’s LGBTQ community for several decades. He often helped with staging and sound at events, including QSaltLake Magazine’s January 11, 2014 Mass Reception held weeks after marriage was declared legal in Utah, and hundreds of couples, including Gwyther and his husband, Matt, ran to the County Clerk’s office to get married. He also provided a mobile stage for a rally held at the Salt Lake City Building after the Orlando Pulse Massacre, knowing that it would rain that day. He’s helped with events for the Utah Bears, the leather community, the Royal Court of the Golden Spike Empire, QSaltLake Magazine, and other groups. Q people of color. It means our marginalized community members. It means Ogden can stand proud and embrace diversity, something we all absolutely need in our lives,” he continued. “And just as humanity was lost in 2020, the LGBTQ community has been attacked continuously, especially this year. Across the country, over 750 bills were entered into debate. Debate about who I am. Debate about how we live and how we are able to receive care. And our most marginalized community members are youth.”

Ogden City Council, mayor proclaim Pride Week

The Ogden City Council and Mayor Mike Caldwell proclaimed the week of August 1 through 7 as “Pride Week” at Tuesday’s Ogden City Council meeting.

Out city council member Marcia White read the proclamation at the meeting, prefacing her comments with, “When I first ran for council, I didn’t think that there was anybody who would accept me on this dias. I’ve really appreciated the support that not just this group gives the LGBTQ+ members gives our community, but the support the mayor and the administration does, too.” we represent a large group of Ogden.”

The proclamation was passed unanimously by the council, followed by a standing ovation. Ogden Pride board members shook the hands of the council members and took a group photo after the vote. Council Chair Angela Choberka noted that the Ogden City signs were lighted with rainbow colors.

“Ogden Pride does not just mean the LGBTQ community. It means

A JOINT PROCLAMATION OF THE OGDEN CITY COUNCIL AND MAYOR DECLARING AUGUST 1-7, 2023 “PRIDE WEEK”IN OGDEN CITY

WHEREAS, Ogden City is a vibrant and diverse community that celebrates and values the contributions and experiences of all its residents. Our city remains steadfast in its commitment to fostering a culture of inclusivity, acceptance, and respect for all individuals; and

WHEREAS,The Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual,Transgender, Queer or Questioning, and other (LGBTQ+) community is an integral part of our diverse society, enriching our cultural, economic, and social landscape.Their invaluable contributions to the arts, education, and social advocacy significantly contribute to the betterment of our community; and

WHEREAS, The origins of Pride celebrations can be traced back to the Stonewall Riots in June 1969, where LGBTQ+ individuals courageously stood up against discrimination and violence, sparking a pivotal moment in the fight for LGBTQ+ rights. Despite significant progress, members of the LGBTQ+ community continue to endure discrimination and violence; and

Ogden Pride President Sean Childers-Gray spoke at the meeting about Ogden being a “very diverse city.”

“I stood here five years ago,” ChildersGray started. “Five years ago, we made a proclamation. And in that five years, a lot has changed. In 2019 we had about 5,000 in attendance at the Festival. This year, we are looking at 8,000, and we want to grow because

WHEREAS, Pride Week is an opportunity to acknowledge the history, struggles, and achievements of the LGBTQ+ community, as well as to promote acceptance, equality, and inclusivity for all individuals regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity, and WHEREAS, Since its establishment in 2014, Ogden Pride has supported the LGBTQ+ community by working to build and strengthen inclusivity. Through its inclusive events, educational campaigns, and valuable services, Ogden Pride has touched countless lives, defending and protecting basic human rights, such as life, liberty, and freedom from violence and intimidation.

“We protect youth because we give them a safe space to be themselves. We don’t question their identity. We don’t question their sexuality. We just say we have a space where you can be whoever you are, whoever you want to be, and whoever you will become.,” he said. “That’s a value we should embrace as a city. And in all of the festival and the things we have coming up this week coming up, it has been a great pleasure to serve and be a leader of an organization that, in Utah, tends to be looked down on. Nine years in Ogden is just a fraction of the time that the civil rights started for the LGBTQ+ community. But we’re not going anywhere. And we continue to build and thrive, and rely on our relationships with our city officials and our safety officials. And it has been a wonderful, wonderful journey to work and build that, especially with our Ogden Arts group. So we do welcome and invite you to join us for this weekend. As we celebrate for the very first time three days in a row at the Ogden Amphitheater.”

NOW,THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Ogden City Council and Mayor Michael P. Caldwell hereby proclaim August 1–7, 2023: “PRIDE WEEK”in Ogden City.We encourage residents, schools, businesses, and community groups to take advantage of Ogden Pride Week as a valuable opportunity to engage in learning, listening, and demonstrating love.We appreciate the significant efforts of Ogden Pride, including organizing and administering the Ogden Pride Festival, which is now entering its ninth year.This year’s Festival will take place August 4th–6th at the Ogden Amphitheater.

PASSED AND ADOPTED this 1st day of August 2023. Angela Choberka, Council Chair, and Michael P. Caldwell, Mayor

Childers-Gray then went through Pride weekend’s activities. Q