Police investigate first Tremonton murder in decades

TREMONTON, Utah – Police are investigating Tremonton’s first murder in several decades, after an overnight shooting. Officers were called to the house, at 3625 West 1000 North, just before 4 a.m. Monday, Chief David Nance said.

“(The) male caller indicated that he had had an altercation with an acquaintance and that he had shot him,” Nance explained.

Nance said Brandon K. Thompson, 30, told detectives he fired two shots at Michael K. Hogenson, 33, after the two had engaged in an argument. Hogenson had been staying at Thompson’s home for a short time, Nance said.

Just across the street, neighbor Carol Jones said she heard a knock on the door about 6 a.m.

“At first, I kind of ignored it,” Jones said. “And then I looked out and could see the red and blue light strobes, just going crazy. The more I watched, I knew something had happened.”

Jones, however, did not expect a homicide.

“I’m in total shock, because this doesn’t happen here,” Jones said, who has lived in the same house since 1977.

She can’t remember ever having a murder in the town during her lifetime. According to reports to the local newspaper, the Tremonton Leader, the last aggravated homicide occurred more than 50 years ago.

Jones said she didn’t know her neighbor, Thompson well.

“Whenever I saw him, we’d wave at each other. He was friendly,” Jones said. “I feel bad I didn’t know him better. I feel bad that I didn’t take the time to get to know him.”

Thompson is being held on suspicion of aggravated homicide, obstruction of justice, and possession of a firearm by a restricted person.