SOUTH OGDEN, Utah – Nearly a month has passed since a tragic shooting incident shook a quiet neighborhood in South Ogden, leaving residents grappling with feelings of insecurity and fear. The incident, which occurred on January 8, has transformed the once-close-knit community into a place where many feel uneasy in their own homes. Ranae Wheeler, a long-time resident living just two houses down from the scene, expressed her distress over the lasting impact of the event. "Everyone deals with things differently, but this has affected me a lot," Wheeler said. "I've never been this close to something like this, and it's a daily process to cope with it." The shooting involved James Joseph Rios, who allegedly opened fire on neighbors and responding police officers from his home before being arrested later that night. The incident escalated quickly, resulting in tragedy when local resident Brandon Kay was shot. Despite immediate medical attention, Kay succumbed to his injuries a few days later, leaving his family and friends in grief. Wheeler recounted the harrowing moments of that night, recalling, "The loudspeakers, saying 'surrender,' the shots… it was just over and over. The hustle and bustle of police officers, sirens—it was a lot to take in." The emotional toll of that night lingers in the air, with many residents reflecting on their safety and the stability of their community. Although the police presence has diminished and crime scene tape has been removed, the psychological scars remain. Wheeler shared that she has not been able to open her window blinds since that fateful night, stating, "Every single morning, I would get up to see the whole neighborhood, but now there's no one out there anymore, so why open them?" The once vibrant neighborhood has turned eerily quiet, with Wheeler noting, "Even with the warm weather, I haven’t seen many people out and about." The fear of what could have happened weighs heavily on her mind. "What if one of my grandkids had been here? It breaks my heart. This neighborhood has always been safe, and to me, it does not feel safe anymore," she lamented. In light of the traumatic experience, Wheeler is contemplating relocating, a decision she never thought she would have to make after years of living in a place she once felt secure. "As long as I've been here, nothing like this has ever happened," she remarked. The emotional fallout from the shooting is not unique to Wheeler. To gain further insight into the psychological effects of such traumatic events, we consulted Melanie Richardson, a licensed clinical social worker based in Ogden. Richardson emphasized the importance of addressing trauma, stating, "Trauma isn’t necessarily what happened to you; it’s how you’re reliving it in your head. If you continue to fixate on it without getting help, then that amplifies things and makes it worse." Richardson also noted symptoms of trauma that individuals might experience, including hypervigilance, fear, excessive crying, shaking, sleep disturbances, nightmares, and social isolation. Recognizing these signs in oneself and loved ones is crucial. She advises those affected to reach out for professional help, emphasizing that seeking assistance early can be beneficial. In the legal proceedings following the shooting, Rios, the alleged shooter, has made only one court appearance, during which he exhibited an outburst. Since then, he has declined to appear in court on two separate occasions. His defense team has requested a mental health evaluation, a request the court has granted. Rios's next hearing is scheduled for March 10 at 9 a.m. in Ogden. As the community attempts to heal, many residents are left wondering how to reclaim their sense of safety. The tragic shooting serves as a stark reminder of the fragility of peace in suburban neighborhoods. As Wheeler poignantly stated, "Value every single moment that you have with the people that are close to you." For a community that once felt invulnerable, the echoes of that night will likely resonate for years to come, reminding neighbors of the importance of vigilance and support in the face of adversity.