News

Actions

Suspect in fatal stabbing arrested

Posted at 6:23 AM, Apr 19, 2014
and last updated 2014-04-20 00:20:57-04

SALT LAKE CITY - A man was fatally stabbed in a fight in downtown Salt Lake City early Saturday morning, and Saturday evening police announced they had arrested a suspect.

Salt Lake City Police have identified the victim as Joaquin Gonzalez, 33, of Chicago. They later stated they had arrested Harlin Ramos, 33, and booked him on a felony murder charge.

Police initially stated two people approached the couple before the stabbing. Officials said Saturday evening that they don't know where the second person is but said that person is not considered a suspect. Ramos was found at a local hotel after police analyzed evidence at the scene.

Salt Lake City Police Sgt. Robin Heiden says that Gonzalez and a woman were either getting in or out of their car near 100 South and 500 West, which is located just west of the Gateway in Salt Lake City, at around 1:20 a.m. Saturday. The couple was leaving a movie, officials said.

The pair was approached by two men, and a fight broke out between the victim and two suspects, and at some point during that fight, Gonzalez was fatally stabbed. The suspects then headed southbound on 500 West.

Heiden says it's unclear why the fight started and police officials said there is no reason to believe the victims and the suspects knew each other.

Police interviewed the woman, who was unharmed, but since it was late at night, there weren't very many witnesses, and they don't have much information about the incident or the suspects.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Salt Lake City police at 801-799-3000.