2 detained in man's abduction, slaying
Two people have been taken into custody in connection with the death. Pailate Lomu, 44, was booked into the Salt Lake County Jail for investigation of aggravated kidnapping and aggravated murder. The name of the second person has not been released.
But as police worked behind lines of yellow tape at crime scenes in both cities, few other details were offered up concerning the slaying.
The manager of the Broadmoor Village apartment complex, 3375 W. 7800 South, called West Jordan police to report suspicious activity in a unit about 6:45 a.m., said Sgt. Greg Butler. When officers arrived, they determined the apartment had been entered forcibly and a 32-year-old man had been beaten and taken against his will.
By early afternoon, a resident near 4500 South and 3600 West found the man bound and gagged in his shed and called police, Butler said. It was unknown Thursday how long the victim had been in the shed before he was discovered. It was also unclear if there was any connection between the shed owners and the victim or if he was dumped there randomly, Butler said.
Butler declined comment Thursday on whether the man suffered any injuries other than those caused by the apparent beating.
Investigators immediately launched a search of the area for suspects after the victim was discovered. Nearby Robert Frost Elementary School was placed on lockdown from about 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. as a precaution as detectives searched.
Police believe three people were involved in the incident, Butler said.
Investigators were not releasing information about a possible motive Thursday or the name of the victim or whether he has any criminal history.
Lomu was taken into custody early Thursday evening and later booked into the county jail. A search of court records shows Lomu has faced multiple assault charged before, including two felony counts that were later dismissed.
Detectives were still searching for another suspect, said West Valley City police Sgt. Mike Christenson.
Contributing: Aaron Falk
E-mail: preavy@desnews.com
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