Man arrested in stabbing of S.L. woman

A 32-year-old woman was stabbed to death in her Salt Lake home early Friday and her estranged husband was arrested a couple of hours later.

Police were called to 2303 Green St. (640 East) at about 4:50 a.m. by an adult living in the four-plex. An argument at that address allegedly resulted in the death of 32-year-old Lisa M. Olivera, said Salt Lake Police Sgt. Robin Snyder. The incident appeared to be domestic-related, she said.

Investigators immediately began looking for the woman's estranged husband, Daniel Leonard Olivera, 33, who had been staying with the victim.

Shortly after the killing, detectives received information that Daniel Olivera might be at a house on California Avenue. When they arrived, they learned he had been there and changed at least his pants and possibly other items of clothing, Snyder said. Undisclosed evidence was collected that elevated Olivera from being a person police simply wanted to talk to, to a suspect, she said.

About 10 a.m., police received more information that Olivera might still be in the west-side neighborhood. They found him on a bicycle behind a church near 1300 South and 1200 West, Snyder said. When officers arrived, he surrendered without incident.

After being interviewed at Salt Lake police headquarters, Olivera was taken to the Salt Lake County Jail with only a sheet wrapped around him. His clothes were booked into evidence, Snyder said.

He was booked into jail for investigation of murder, aggravated assault and domestic violence in the presence of children. An infant and a 10-year-old were in the apartment at the time of the killing, but police Friday declined to say whether either of the Oliveras was parent to the children. Those children were staying Friday with family members, Snyder said.

Police also did not say Friday how many people they believed were living in the apartment.

Patches of what appeared to be blood were visible on the carpet just inside the sliding glass back door, along with dark drops on the walkway leading toward the street.

Neighbor Robert Brundige said he was awoken shortly after 4 a.m. by a loud argument among at least three people. The argument moved from inside the apartment to the parking lot behind the building, and then to the front.

"It was quiet for a bit. Then I heard the police sirens and fire trucks," he said.

A check of Utah court records shows Olivera has a criminal record in adult court dating back to when he was 18. His convictions included aggravated assault, assault by a prisoner, disorderly conduct and attempted production of a controlled substance. Twice this year, Olivera has been arrested and taken to court for being a fugitive from justice. Olivera was wanted in New Mexico on a probation violation.

e-mail: preavy@desnews.com