Utah man faces homicide charge after victim dies from injuries

Salt Lake City, Utah – According to officials, a Utah man is expected to face a homicide charge after allegedly punching a man, who then died due to blunt force injury to the head. On May 17, 46-year-old Juan Ayala was taken into custody after allegedly punching a man to death.

Officials say the incident started after an argument was instigated at a homeless encampment in the area of 235 South Rio Grande Street. Police say, during the argument, Ayala approached the victim and then punched him in the face.

The Salt Lake City Police Department says the victim fell to the ground and lost consciousness  following the punch. Ayala then fled the area.

When officers arrived at the homeless encampment, the victim was immediately transported to an area hospital for emergency care. Officers say the victim died a couple of days later on May 21.

According the Court documents  the Medical Examiner determined the victim’s manner of death to be “homicide due to blunt force injury to the head.”

According to arresting documents  on the evening of May 28, Ayala was located and interviewed. Post-Miranda, Ayala admitted to being involved in the altercation and striking the victim before fleeing the area.

SLCPD say , Ayala also claimed he struck the victim in self-defense due to possible threats the victim was making toward him, and Ayala did not intend for the victim to die.

A 46-year-old Juan Ayala has been charged with criminal homicide by assault, a third-degree felony, a court affidavit reads.