Arrest made in 19-year-old homicide cold case in Magna
Jan 24, 2025, 7:13 PM | Updated: 7:37 pm
MAGNA — An arrest has been made in a cold case nearly 20 years after the murder of a Magna man.
Mark Nelson Munoz, 53, was booked into the Salt Lake County jail on Jan. 23, 2025, for the murder of Jason Royter.
On Aug. 6, 2005, 33-year-old Royter was found stabbed to death inside his home.
For a decade, detectives worked diligently to collect evidence and try to solve the case, but eventually, the case went cold.
“Technology continues to change, and that’s where we are grateful for forensics units, the various entities that support new technology, especially with DNA,” Salt Lake County Sheriff Rosie Rivera said in a press conference Friday.
DNA evidence originally collected at the scene ultimately led investigators to Munoz, when a crime he committed in another state produced a positive CODIS match.
“What I think solved this case was a lot of hard work and some very forward thinking by detectives,” said Detective Ben Pender. “A lot of work, hours, weekends, holidays, nights went into this, and it paid off.”
Royter’s family reacts
Royter’s family was present today at the press conference and thanked those who have tirelessly worked on the case.
“I’ve been going through so many emotions the last 24 hours,” said Niki Price, Royter’s sister. “I can’t think of a word big enough to express my thank you, my appreciation for everything they’ve done.”
“I used to be an angry person,” said Royter’s son, Andrew, who was 12 years old when his father was killed. “After last night, it just felt like I had 10 years of therapy hit me all at once. I just feel so much better. I feel happier.”
Rivera said this is an active investigation. A motive for the homicide has not yet been determined. And it is still unclear if the suspect and victim knew each other.
“Just because he’s booked into our facility, this case is not over,” Rivera said. “Jason died a very tragic death, and we want to make sure justice is served.”
Royter’s family said they never lost hope that this day would come.
“I totally believed in the team working on the case. Jason had so many friends in the Magna community. There was no reason to give up; there was no reason to stop talking about it. It’s been a hell of a 20 years, but we’re here and we’re just going to move forward,” said Stephani Perschon, Royter’s sister.
The Salt Lake County Sheriff’s Office is asking anyone who has information regarding Royter’s murder to call 385-468-9816.
Related: Arrest made in 2016 Utah homicide