White Man Arrested After Brutally Attacking Teen at $uicideboy$ Concert in Utah
What was supposed to be a fun birthday celebration turned into a nightmare for 17-year-old Jasmine Newbill, who says she was knocked unconscious by a grown man during a concert in Utah.
Police in West Valley City arrested Jacob Shelley, 47 and described as a White man, on aggravated child abuse charges after he allegedly punched Newbill multiple times during the $uicideboy$ show at the Utah First Credit Union Amphitheatre over the weekend.
$uicideboy$ have come under much criticism for their often abrasive and offensive imagery, including their name, lyrical content, and behavior. Many of their songs contain themes and insinuations of devil worship.
A Birthday Gone Wrong
Newbill told FOX 13 News that her cousin had surprised her with tickets to the show for her birthday. But instead of leaving with memories of live music, she left with a broken nose, bruises across her face, sore ribs, and a concussion.
“It’s just very traumatizing,” she said. “I don’t think I want to go to a concert again unless I have my mom or somebody I know who’s going to protect me.”
How the Violence Started
According to police, the altercation began as an argument between Shelley’s daughter and Newbill near the front of the lawn section. Witnesses say Shelley quickly inserted himself into the situation, blocking Newbill’s attempt to move forward and then lashing out violently.
Newbill recounted the horrifying moment she says Shelley repeatedly hit her:
“I kind of like gained back a little bit of my consciousness trying to fight for my life, and I like tried to like lift myself up, just grabbing whatever I could… and I just feel a punch out of nowhere, and I’m back on the floor unconscious.”
Witnesses told police that Shelley “continuously punched” the teenager as amphitheater staff attempted to step in. According to police documents, Shelley even shoved security workers away as they tried to stop the attack.
The Aftermath
Newbill was left dazed and badly injured, with swelling around her eyes so severe she says she could barely cry from the pain. “The first day, I couldn’t feel any of my body pain because my face hurt so bad,” she explained. “I couldn’t even cry because my eye, it hurt so bad to cry.”
Her injuries included a broken nose, bruised ribs, and lingering concussion symptoms, leaving her shaken not just physically but emotionally.
Arrest and Charges
Shelley was arrested shortly after the incident and booked into the Salt Lake County Jail. He now faces serious charges of aggravated child abuse, given that the victim is a minor.
The case is expected to move forward in court in the coming weeks, and prosecutors will weigh whether additional charges should be filed.
Amphitheatre Responds
The Utah First Credit Union Amphitheatre released a statement following the disturbing incident, emphasizing its commitment to safety:
“The safety of our fans, staff, and artists is our top priority. We work in partnership with the West Valley City Police Department and have a dedicated in-house security team at every event to help ensure a safe environment. In the rare event of an incident, we address it immediately and in collaboration with police. Individuals who engage in violent behavior are ejected and may not be permitted at future events.”
A Traumatized Teen
For Newbill, the attack has left deep scars. What should have been a milestone memory is now a trauma she admits may keep her from ever feeling comfortable at concerts again.
Her story has since sparked outrage on social media, with many calling for harsher consequences for adults who attack minors — especially in spaces meant for entertainment and fun.
As Shelley sits behind bars awaiting his next court date, the incident serves as a grim reminder of how quickly violence can shatter what should be a night of celebration.