BOUNTIFUL, Utah, Aug. 22, 2018 (Gephardt Daily) — A suspect is facing homicide and vehicle theft charges after a man was found dead in a Bountiful residence Sunday.
Taniela Siale Lopiseni Salakielu, 22, has been identified as a person of interest, according to a news release from Bountiful Police Department.
The news release said officials responded to the suspicious death of a 50-year-old man, Rand Hatch, at a residence in the area of 1400 E. Lakeview Drive.
Hatch’s body had been discovered by a family member who had not heard from him for several days, the news release said. The investigation and autopsy indicated the death was a homicide caused by trauma. Hatch’s vehicle was also found to have been stolen from the residence.
“Upon locating and interviewing Salakielu, he admitted to arguing with Mr. Hatch at the Hatch residence,” the news release said. “A witness who was present during the altercation stated Salakielu physically assaulted Mr. Hatch in the room where his body was later discovered by police.”
Salakielu was arrested and booked into the Davis County Jail.
The investigation remains open; anyone with information related to the crime is asked to call Bountiful Police Department on 801-298-6000.
