SLCPD IDs remains from 2012 homicide, charges filed

Jose Ignacio Valdez-Guzman and Carlos Trevizo. Photo: SLCPD

SALT LAKE CITY, Utah, Feb. 21, 2018 (Gephardt Daily) — Salt Lake City Police Department detectives have positively identified the remains of a 2012 homicide victim found last November, it was announced Wednesday morning.

The remains have been identified as Jose Ignacio Valdez-Guzman, aka “Nacho,” who would now be 41, the SLCPD said in a news release. The remains were recovered at 799 S. Chestnut St. (2600 West) on Nov. 18, 2017. Valdez-Guzman had been reported missing by family members on June 29, 2012.

Salt Lake City Police received numerous tips from the public regarding a possible identity of the remains. The investigation also revealed that Valdez-Guzman was killed in 2012.

Carlos Trevizo, 56, has been charged with his murder.

The body was found after an all-day search following a tip to police, a previous news release from the SLCPD said.

“The murder was in conjunction with a disagreement between the suspect and victim, which occurred near Indiana Street just west of a canal,” the initial news release said.

A probable cause statement from the Salt Lake County Sheriff’s Office said a witness described where the homicide occurred and also how and why the suspect allegedly killed the victim. The witness heard gunshots, the probable cause statement said, and provided detectives with a “specific and detailed eyewitness account of the murder.”

A third party also advised the witness that the suspect moved the victim’s body from one location to another. The third party showed the witness where the victim was currently buried.

Homicide detectives executed a search warrant at the Chestnut Street address, and with cadaver dogs and an excavator operator, located the body beneath approximately seven feet of dirt.

The suspect was interviewed, and, after being read his Miranda rights, stated that there were three firearms inside his house. The suspect is a restricted person, prohibited from possessing firearms due to a previous domestic violence conviction.

The police department served a search warrant on the suspect’s house and recovered four firearms.

Anyone that has additional information on the incident is asked to call the SLCPD anonymously on 801-799-3000, or text the keyword TIPSLCPD plus any relevant information to 274637. This service also provides anonymity to the sender. Reference: case #17-201891.

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