Salt Lake County Sheriff's Office Cold Case Unit Makes Arrest in the Jason Royter Homicide

South Salt Lake, January 24, 2025 — Detectives with the Salt Lake County Sheriff’s Office have made an arrest in connection with the 2005 murder of Jason Royter. On January 23, 2025, investigators apprehended Mark Munoz, 53, on charges of murder for the killing of Royter.

On August 6, 2005, Jason Royter, 33, was discovered deceased in his Magna residence by his girlfriend. Royter had suffered multiple stab wounds, and his death was ruled a homicide. 

Detective Christine Petty-Brown with Unified Police Department was the initial lead investigator on the case. Petty-Brown conducted countless interviews, followed up on hundreds of leads, and examined every piece of evidence for the next 10 years. Eventually the tips stopped coming in, and the case went cold.

The case was then turned over to Detective Ben Pender with the Salt Lake County Sheriff’s Office cold case unit. For the last 10 years, detectives with the Sheriff’s Office worked diligently in investigating the case. In recent years there has been advancements in investigative techniques and processes which led to a breakthrough in this case.

Sheriff Rosie Rivera praised the determination of the investigators who refused to let this case go unsolved. “This arrest is a testament to the dedication and commitment of our detectives who never gave up on finding justice for Jason Royter,” said Sheriff Rivera. “To Mr. Royter’s family, we hope this development brings a measure of peace, knowing we are closer to uncovering the truth of that tragic day.”

This case remains active.