Murder charge filed in Magna woman's death

A man accused of stabbing his former girlfriend to death in her Magna home and assaulting her 14-year-old daughter was charged Tuesday with murder.

Charles Richard Gunkel, 52, was charged in 3rd District Court with aggravated murder, aggravated burglary and third-degree felony aggravated assault.

According to court documents, Gunkel went to the home of Morena Robbins, 51, near 7300 West and 4000 South on Aug. 8. When he was not allowed to enter by Robbins' daughter, he forced his way into the house.

Once inside, he found Robbins, pinned her to ground, choked her and threatened her with a knife, according to the documents. He also threatened the daughter when she tried to stop the attack. The daughter went to neighbors for help, but when police arrived, they found Robbins stabbed. Gunkel was arrested soon afterwards.