A woman has been accused of killing her boyfriend after allegedly discovering him in a concerning situation involving her 11-year-old female relative.
The victim, Jose Humberto Alvarado, 45, was found dead on a sidewalk on Christmas morning. Investigators said a trail of blood led them to a nearby home on Atlas Way, where Alvarado had attended a party the previous night with Fabiola Lara, 39.
According to the West Valley City Police Department, officers were called to the Atlas Way residence around 1:30 a.m. to investigate an incident involving the child. By the time police arrived, Alvarado had already left the scene.
Police said a confrontation later occurred between Lara and Alvarado outside the home, during which investigators believe Alvarado was stabbed. He then left the area on foot and later died from his injuries on Thayn Drive.
At approximately 8 a.m., a resident walking their dog discovered Alvarado’s body and contacted authorities.
Lt. M.T. Johnson acknowledged the timing of the incident, noting that while it is unfortunate, crimes can occur even on holidays.
“It’s unfortunate that it happens on Christmas morning,” Johnson said. “This is usually a quiet, nice neighborhood, and this just happened on a bad day.”
A nearby resident, identified only as Steve, said he became aware of the situation after hearing emergency responders in the area. He reported seeing a woman filling out paperwork on the curb and noticing blood on the sidewalk.
“I stayed and comforted the person who called 911,” Steve said. “She was really shaken.”
Steve added that the situation felt unsettling due to the limited information available.
Police are continuing their investigation and are asking residents in the area with doorbell or porch cameras to review footage from the night of Christmas Eve into Christmas morning. Anyone who finds relevant or suspicious video is asked to contact police at 801-840-4000.
Lara was taken into custody and booked into the Salt Lake County Metro Jail. The investigation remains ongoing.