Brother of man suspected in Salt Lake homicide is suspected in West Jordan homicide

WEST JORDAN — Homicide detectives say two brothers are responsible for the separate deaths of a woman and a man in Salt Lake City and West Jordan this week.

Now, investigators are trying to find out if there is any connection between the two killings.

The body of Benacio Hernandez-Herrera, 33, was found in a field near 6300 West and 7400 South about 3 p.m. Sunday. He was shot multiple times.

Stephanie Williams, 19, was last seen alive in her house, 766 W. 300 North, about 9:30 p.m. Sunday. Neighbors reported hearing gunshots about midnight. Monday afternoon, her body was found in her house by her mother.

Delfino Arriaga Luna, 31, was arrested Tuesday morning in connection with Williams' death.

Luna's brother, Benjamin Arriaga Luna, 37, who was being sought for questioning in his possible role in Williams' death in Salt Lake City, surrendered to investigators that afternoon.

But while interviewing him, investigators discovered Benjamin Luna was allegedly responsible for the shooting death of Hernandez-Herrera in West Jordan.

"Benjamin stated that a fight took place between himself and (Hernandez-Herrera). Benjamin stated that he pulled the gun out of his waistband and shot (Hernandez-Herrera) numerous times," according to a Salt Lake County Jail report.

Benjamin Luna told investigators he got the gun that was used to shoot Hernandez-Herrera "on the street" and then sold it for $200 after the incident.

Salt Lake and West Jordan homicide detectives were already working together by Monday afternoon, said Salt Lake police detective Pat Wilkinson. Although investigators still did not know Wednesday if the two shootings are connected, he said it was common practice for police agencies to work together when similar crimes happen within close proximity of each other.

A witness reported seeing three Hispanic men arguing about 5 p.m. Saturday in the same area where Hernandez-Herrera's body was found. The witness believes the men had arrived in a black, older model, full-size, flatbed truck with wooden side rails, West Jordan Police Sgt. Drew Sanders said.

Following the discovery of Williams' body, Salt Lake police said they were looking for a 2004 blue Dodge Ram pickup truck that was registered to Delfino Luna.