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Police: Father and son’s argument over unlocked door led to murder in Provo

Posted at 4:40 PM, Jun 10, 2016
and last updated 2016-06-10 23:46:24-04

PROVO, Utah -- Police are offering more information Friday about a murder investigation in Provo that began with a report of a missing person, and the victim's son is behind bars on several charges.

Provo Police responded to a home at the Leisure Village mobile home community Thursday after an unidentified family member reported 57-year-old Marco Carmona missing.

Senior Officer Nisha King, Provo Police Department, said officers made a disturbing discovery at the home Carmona shared with his wife and 27-year-old son, Omar.

"They did locate Marco Carmona's body in a deep freezer," King said.

Police said Omar Carmona has been cooperative with police during the investigation, and they learned things began with an argument between father and son.

"Omar was upset with his father because he hadn't locked the residence, and he'd gotten in the shower," King said. "So, as we understand, that's how it all began."

King said Omar and Marco were home alone, and what began with an argument ended in an alleged murder. Omar has been booked into the Utah County Jail on charges of murder, obstruction of justice and theft.

"At some point Omar took money out of Marco's wallet," King said. "...I'm not sure if it was before or after [the alleged murder], but it was all in the same incident."

A medical examiner is working to determine the cause of death, but police say Marco's body displayed evidence of a struggle. Omar Carmona has at least one previous incident of domestic violence on his record, a situation that also involved his father and occurred in 2014.

"I do know he has had mental health evaluations in the past," King said of Omar Carmona. "That could very well become a factor. We're not sure at this point."

Neighbors say the were shocked when police arrived at the home Thursday.

"I know my neighbors pretty well, and I wouldn't expect they would have one of their parents in their freezer dead," said Daniel Winnie.

Sandra Moore said Marco and Omar seemed just like anyone else in the neighborhood.

"Never would have known anything," she said. "That's why it surprised me when I saw the cop cars."

The Utah Domestic Violence Coalition states that free, confidential help and support is available for victims and survivors of domestic violence 24/7. Those resources are available by calling 1-800-897-5465 or visiting the group's website. Anyone facing an emergency situation should dial 911 rather than the hotline.