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KEARNS — Two men were arrested in connection with the fatal stabbing of a 20-year-old man early Sunday, police said.
About 3:03 a.m., Unified police officers responded to reports of a stabbing near 4550 W. 4920 South in Kearns.
"What we know, at this point, is there were a few neighbors that became involved in a physical altercation," said Unified Police Sgt. Melody Cutler.
During the altercation, Rustyn Christopher Opperman, 20, was stabbed and died at the scene.
Anthony Landh Martinez, 20, and Benny Tobias Martinez, 44, were booked into the Salt Lake County Jail for investigation of murder, according to police.
Police affidavits for both of the men arrested allege that Opperman went to Anthony Martinez's home to retrieve a cellphone that police suspect was stolen. After Opperman arrived, he and Benny Martinez allegedly began fighting.
Two separate witnesses told police that Benny Martinez was standing over Opperman and punching him. Anthony Martinez then went into the home and grabbed a knife. Police believe Benny Martinez was actively assaulting Opperman when Anthony Martinez began stabbing Opperman in the back.
Police requested that both Benny and Anthony Martinez be held in jail without bail, as they believe both constitute a risk to the public and witnesses to the alleged attack.
As of Monday, neither has been formally charged in Salt Lake City's 3rd District Court. Both remain in the custody of the Salt Lake County Jail.
