Salt Lake City, Utah — Early Tuesday, a chaotic incident at a downtown Salt Lake City hotel led to the arrest of three individuals tied to a double homicide, city police reported. The violence erupted following a dispute over payment for services at the Comfort Inn Downtown.
The trouble began shortly after midnight when local police were alerted by a dropped 911 call. While officers were en route to investigate, another call reported gunfire at the hotel location. Upon arrival, law enforcement officials found two men fatally shot inside a room at the establishment, both pronounced dead at the scene. The names of the deceased have not yet been disclosed.
Salt Lake police detailed that Kendra Mitchell, 38, was connected to the initial dispute. Mitchell, who admitted to engaging in commercial sex work, had been hired by the occupant of the hotel room. A disagreement over payment ensued, prompting her to reach out to Tiffani Papach, 40, for assistance.
According to authorities, Mitchell described Papach’s role as sending two men to act as “security” or “protection.” This move escalated matters further. The police report noted that Papach, along with the two men, forcefully entered the hotel room. During the ensuing confrontation, one of the men brandished a handgun.
The intruders assaulted the room’s renter and demanded money, eventually taking his car keys. Amidst the confrontation, both men who had entered as “security” were shot and killed. The shooter, still at large, has not been captured nor named by the police.
Following the incident, police undertook a detailed investigation, leading to the apprehension of both Papach and Mitchell on charges of aggravated burglary and aggravated robbery. Papach faces an additional accusation of obstructing justice.
In a related development, Kevin Le Ray Thrower, 56, was arrested and held at Salt Lake County Jail on charges of obstruction of justice. Thrower, discovered walking with Mitchell, initially misled the police about her whereabouts and her involvement. Despite his claims of ignorance about the homicides, Mitchell later confessed to having fully briefed Thrower about the details of the incident.
Police, piecing together the violent night from a web of deception and confrontation, continue their search for the unnamed shooter. As the investigation unfolds, the local community remains tense, reflecting broader concerns about safety and crime in the city’s bustling hotel districts.
This episode marks a stark reminder of the unpredictable nature of disputes escalating to violence, underscoring ongoing challenges in ensuring public safety in transient spaces like hotels. Moreover, the involvement of multiple individuals in the crime points to broader societal issues surrounding illicit activities and their regulation.
As the city grapples with these issues, the Salt Lake City Police emphasize the importance of community vigilance and cooperation in preventing such tragic outcomes. The investigation remains active, with authorities urging anyone with information to come forward.