Murder charge filed in West Valley shooting case

SALT LAKE CITY — A Salt Lake man was charged Friday with murder, along with other charges for his alleged involvement in the Nov. 24 shooting death of Paul Ross Butterfield, 26.

Jonathan Joshua Fithian, 28, became "upset when Butterfield made a statement about Fithian's cousin," according to charges filed in 3rd District Court. Witnesses who were in the home, near 6400 West and 4000 South, told police that Fithian stood in front of Butterfield, pulled a black handgun out of his waist band and pointed it at Butterfield. At least one witness reported seeing Fithian "pistol whip" Butterfield before hearing the gun go off, the charges state.

Fithian left the home and was found about three blocks from where the shooting occurred and was arrested. He was apparently in violation of a previous probation that stemmed from charges in September 2009 of drug possession. According to Utah State Court records, Fithian served 270 days of jail time for that conviction.

In 2007, he was also found guilty of drug possession, having a false ID and vehicle burglary. That same year, Fithian was convicted of felony unlawful acquisition/possession of a credit card. The court sentenced him to one year in jail, but Fithian said he preferred being sent to prison instead and was sentenced to up to five years at the Utah State Prison.

In 2002, prior to completing a GED, he pleaded guilty to two amended charges of attempted aggravated assault and was sentenced to 180 days in jail.

In addition to murder, a first-degree felony, Fithian was also charged with possession of a gun by a restricted person and obstructing justice, second-degree felonies. He is being held in the Salt Lake County Jail on $2 million cash-only bail.

e-mail: wleonard@desnews.com