Nephew arrested for assaulting two uncles in West Valley City

WEST VALLEY CITY — A man who started the evening helping his two uncles move was arrested by the end of the night for investigation of attempted homicide after assaulting both men.

Just before 9 p.m. Wednesday, a 32-year-old man, who reportedly didn't get along with his two uncles, was called to his parents' house, near 4500 W. 3200 South, to help the two uncles move out, said West Valley Police Capt. Tom McLachlan.

While at the house, the man and his uncles got into a disagreement that ended in a fight. One uncle, 66, was pushed down a flight of stairs and hit his head on the cement at the bottom, McLachlan said. The nephew then took a wooden cane and beat the other uncle, 67, in the face, he said.

The 66-year-old uncle was flown to University Hospital in critical condition. The older man was treated for cuts to his face at Pioneer Valley Hospital.

Kenneth Tupea was booked into the Salt Lake County Jail for investigation of attempted homicide and aggravated assault.

Court records show Tupea has a long history of misdemeanor offenses in Utah, including convictions for simple assault and disorderly conduct.

—Pat Reavy