Cottonwood Heights man who allegedly shot brother in argument said it was his ‘only option,’ police say

COTTONWOOD HEIGHTS, Utah (ABC4) — The man who allegedly shot his own brother said he felt like it was his “only option” after the two had been arguing earlier in the day, according to court documents.

Kit James Welch, 20, was booked into the Salt Lake County Jail on one count of first-degree felony attempted murder and five counts of first-degree felony discharge of a firearm causing serious bodily injury.

The victim was reportedly found with multiple gunshot wounds outside the home near 2030 E and Bo Mar Drive. Cottonwood Heights police provided the victim life-saving aid before he could be transported to a local area hospital for further care. Police reported the victim was later determined to be in critical condition while at the hospital.

A brief standoff took place between responding officers and Welch before the 20-year-old safely surrendered and was taken into custody. While Welch requested the presence of an attorney and refused to answer police questions, he allegedly made “multiple spontaneous utterances,” saying that he would never intentionally harm someone but “felt like it was the only option.”

Welch allegedly mentioned that he had been arguing with his brother and his dad about items that had been accumulating in the home, according to court documents.

Police said a search of the home found several spots of blood and several gun safes and lockboxes for handguns. No other individuals were found inside the home at the time of the incident.

Welch was ordered to be held in jail on a $30,000 bail, pending a pretrial hearing, despite police requesting a no-bail hold.