Salt Lake Co. sheriff detectives solve 19-year-old cold case murder

Family members of Magna murder victim react to news a suspect in the 19-year-old murder case has been solved by detectives from the Salt Lake County Sheriff's Office. Photo: Salt Lake County Sheriff's Office

SOUTH SALT LAKE, Utah, Jan. 24, 2025 (Gephardt Daily) — A 19-year-old Magna cold case murder has been solved.

Detectives with the Salt Lake County Sheriff’s Office made the arrest in connection with the 2005 murder of Jason Royter, the sheriff’s office announced Friday after apprehending Mark Munoz, 53, on charges of murder for Royter’s killing.

On August 6, 2005, Royter, 33, was discovered deceased in his Magna residence by his girlfriend. Royter had suffered multiple stab wounds, and his death was ruled a homicide. 

Detective Christine Petty-Brown with Unified Police Department was the initial lead investigator on the case, the sheriff’s office said. “Petty-Brown conducted countless interviews, followed up on hundreds of leads, and examined every piece of evidence for the next 10 years. Eventually the tips stopped coming in, and the case went cold.”

The case was then turned over to Detective Ben Pender with the Salt Lake County Sheriff’s Office cold case unit. For the last 10 years, detectives with the sheriff’s office worked diligently in investigating the case, which was solved due to recent advancements in investigative techniques leading to a breakthrough in the case.

Sheriff Rosie Rivera praised the determination of the investigators, who she said refused to let this case go unsolved, noting the investigation remains active.

“This arrest is a testament to the dedication and commitment of our detectives who never gave up on finding justice for Jason Royter,” the sheriff said.

“To Mr. Royter’s family, we hope this development brings a measure of peace, knowing we are closer to uncovering the truth of that tragic day.”

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