Cottonwood Heights woman accused of killing mother charged with assaulting officer

Published: Tuesday, Dec. 11 2012 7:25 p.m. MST

Airida Gruodis was arrested for investigation of aggravated murder after police found the body of her mother with multiple stab wounds on a bed. Detectives believe Zita Gruodis had been dead a few days Monday, Nov. 26, 2012.

, Salt Lake County Jail

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Summary

A Cottonwood Heights woman accused of stabbing and killing her mother last month has been charged with assault by a prisoner, a third-degree felony.

SALT LAKE CITY — A Cottonwood Heights woman accused of stabbing and killing her mother last month has been charged with assault by a prisoner, a third-degree felony.

Police took Airida Gruodis into custody on Nov. 26 for investigation of the death of her mother, Zita. Gruodis had a documented history of mental illness and cohabitant abuse against her mother, leading to protective orders filed in 2001 and 2010, according to court documents.

No charges have been filed against Gruodis in connection with the homicide.

Charges filed Tuesday in 3rd District Court state Gruodis a female officer attempted to help her into a "tyvex suit," or coveralls, for transport to Salt Lake County Jail.

Gruodis became agitated and lunged forward, placing her teeth around the base of the officers thumb, charges state. The officer pulled her thumb free before Gruodis could bite down.

Gruodis is currently in Salt Lake County Jail.

— McKenzie Romero

Twitter: @McKenzieRomero

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