3 arrested in connection to apparent double homicide at downtown Salt Lake hotel

Update:

SALT LAKE CITY (ABC4) — Police said three people have been arrested in connection to an apparent double homicide at a downtown Salt Lake hotel, but the suspected shooter is still at large.

The name of the suspected shooter has not been released by police at this time. After two men were found with critical injuries at a hotel and died at the scene, officials arrested Tiffani Papach, 40; Kendra Mitchell, 38; and Kevin Thrower, 56.

According to the Salt Lake City Police Department, Mitchell said she was contacted by someone “renting the hotel room to meet in person” but got into a “dispute” after she got to the hotel room.

“Mitchell allegedly contacted Papach to send two men to the hotel as ‘security’ or ‘protection’ regarding the payment dispute,” SLCPD said.

Papach and two men arrived at the hotel, and one of the men was reportedly armed with a handgun. The men allegedly demanded money from the renter of the hotel room after assaulting him. They also stole his car keys.

“At some point during the confrontation and assault, the two men were shot. Both died from their injuries,” police said.

Papach was booked into the Salt Lake County Metro Jail on aggravated burglary, aggravated robbery, and obstruction of justice charges. Mitchell was booked into the Salt Lake County Metro Jail on aggravated burglary and aggravated robbery charges.

Thrower was booked for obstruction of justice after allegedly telling officers that Mitchell fled the scene “even though she was standing next to him,” SLCPD said. Thrower is also accused of denying that he knew about the incident or knew Mitchell’s identity.

Anyone with information about the case has been asked to call 801-799-3000 and reference case number 25-84745.

Original story: Police investigating apparent double homicide at downtown Salt Lake hotel

SALT LAKE CITY (ABC4) — Salt Lake City Police are investigating a fatal shooting at a downtown hotel where two people were killed.

According to the Salt Lake City Police Department Detective Michael Ruff, police responded to a 911 hangup around 12:30 a.m. on Tuesday in the area of 100 West 500 South. While en route to the scene, police learned that there possibly had been gunshots and when they arrived, they found two individuals critically injured with gunshot wounds.

The Salt Lake City Police Department said its officers provided life-saving aid and asked for paramedics. However, police confirmed the two victims died at the scene. The victims have not yet been identified.

Officers say they have identified a person of interest in the apparent homicide confirmed to have taken them into custody.

“Although detectives are just beginning their preliminary investigation, which includes gathering details, speaking with witnesses, and reviewing any digital evidence, officers do not believe there is a threat to our community,” SLCPD said in a media release.

Anyone with information about this shooting is asked to call the Salt Lake City Police Department at 801-799-3000. As the investigation is ongoing, the public is asked to avoid the area along 500 South.

This marks the city’s first and second homicide of this year, according to SLCPD.