Story behind the tragedy

Kenneth G. Dolezsar, former assistant head coach to the Utah Valley hockey team and beloved family member and friend, was fatally shot last November in a Village Inn restaurant parking lot, leaving many of us asking, "Why?"

The answer to our questions came to a chilling close February 28, 2008, when Sandy police arrested 33-year old Eugene Christopher Wright in a Salt Lake City business parking lot.

Wright, who owns Exchange Place Capital, is claimed to have known Dolezsar for only a few months prior to the killing. They were believed to be business partners, but no evidence has shown that the confrontation in the Village Inn parking lot was business related.

According to THE DAILY HERALD, Sandy police had been investigating Wright’s office for over a month, looking for DNA samples supporting the murder, and they are believed to have found evidence in the form of matching 9mm shells, identical to the ones found in the parking lot.

"We’re just glad we’ve been able to make the arrest," said Sandy police Lt. Kevin Thacker.

Wright has pleaded not guilty. However, witness Lee Carlson, who was on scene, identified Wright and testified in trial that he was the killer, as well as the man who drove off in Dolezsar’s car after the incident. Police found the car abandoned just a few blocks away from the scene. Wright was also believed to have been wearing a black wig at the time of the shooting.

Dolezar’s death is said to have possibly been money related.
Judge Royal Hansen has scheduled a trial date of October 6 for Wright, on charges of murder and aggravated robbery.
Relief and closure have come from his capture, but some — including family members — are still left asking, "Why?"

"Now it’s good that we know who," said Robert Dolezar, Ken’s brother. "It would be nice to find out why. My brother was a good man. He shouldn’t have died."