Police investigating violent Juggalo fight in Magna

MAGNA — Detectives are investigating a violent fight in Magna between two men who identified themselves as Juggalos.

Deputies were called to 2972 S. 8850 West at 2:40 a.m. Friday. Two men interested in the same woman began fighting in front of the woman's home, said Salt Lake County Sheriff's Lt. Don Hutson. One man, 22, decided he was finished with the fight and got in his car to leave. But witnesses said the second man, 19, opened the car door and continued to punch the older man.

The first man retrieved a knife with an 8-inch blade, Hutson said, and "defended himself with the knife and by punching" the 19-year-old, who was cut from his forehead, across one eye and down to his cheek. He was taken to an area hospital.

The older man suffered a deep cut to his hand and multiple facial bruises in the fight. He was hospitalized, as well. Neither man was arrested.

"There's a strong chance that it may be self-defense," the lieutenant said, referring to the older man, "only because he tried to leave the scene and the 19-year-old pursued him."

Hutson said both men, and people at the home where the fight took place, said they are associated with the Juggalo subculture. Juggalos are fans of the rap group Insane Clown Posse, which is known for its violent lyrics. Utah authorities have classified Juggalos as a gang because of a continued pattern of criminal activity.

— Geoff Liesik