LOGAN, Utah, Jan. 2, 2021 (Gephardt Daily) — Two Cache County brothers were booked into jail on assault and drug possession charges after deputies say the two assaulted each other after an argument sparked by the presence of a juvenile female.
Sheriff’s deputies were sent to a Hyrum residence on Monday, Dec. 28, after a report of a domestic dispute between Jaren Kesler Liljenquist, 22, and Ryan Paul Liljenquist, 29.
“Ryan Liljenquist called in reporting he had been assaulted by his brother, Jaren Liljenquist,” a probable cause statement filed in the case says. “Ryan admitted to pulling a knife out during the fight. I made contact with Ryan down the street from the incident address. Ryan had multiple injuries to his face, including an open wound on his left ear. Ryan was treated by medical personnel on scene.”
The deputy said he spoke with Ryan Liljenquist during the on-scene medical treatment.
“Ryan said he came home from work and found a female juvenile in the home. Ryan said (the girl) was not supposed to be in the home. Ryan said he told Jaren and (the girl) she needed to leave. Ryan said Jaren became upset and punched Ryan in the head, one time.
“Ryan then pulled a knife from his pocket. Ryan said he pulled the knife out in self-defense,” the statement says. “Ryan said he had been beaten up by Jaren in the past. Ryan said Jaren then went after him, causing them both to fall to the floor.”
The knife came out of Ryan Liljenquist’s hand, the statement says, and the female juvenile picked it up.
“During the scuffle on the ground Ryan and Jaren both hit each other. Ryan said Jaren strangled him while they were on the ground. Jaren said he grabbed Ryan in the area of the shoulder, but denied strangling Ryan. Ryan admitted to strangling Jaren.”
Jaren Liljenquist “had visible marks on his neck consistent with being strangled,” the statement says.
“Ryan was advised of his Miranda Rights. Ryan admitted to using methamphetamine within the last couple of days. Ryan was placed under arrest and transported to the hospital for a medical clearance. Jaren was on felony probation with AP&P Agent A. Lee.”
Jaren Liljenquist submitted to a urine test and, post Miranda, admitted to using meth within the previous two days. His test later came back positive for amphetamine, methamphetamine, opiates and MDMA (also known as Ecstasy or Molly).
He was placed under arrest, and shared the location of some drugs and drug paraphernalia within his room.
Ryan Liljenquist was medically cleared and transported to jail. His tests came back positive for the same drugs as those found in his younger brother’s system.
Jaren Liljenquist faces charges of three third-degree felonies: aggravated assault, possession of a dangerous weapon by a restricted person, and possession of a controlled substance schedule I/II/analog. He is being held without bail.
Ryan Liljenquist faces charges of assault, a third-degree felony, and possession of a controlled substance schedule I/II/analog. His bond was set at $500, and he was released after agreeing to conditions including electronic monitoring.
