OGDEN, UTAH — Three security guards at a nightclub in Ogden are facing criminal charges following the death of a man who was allegedly assaulted, left in the road, and later run over by a vehicle.
Martin Esparza Espinoza, 56, of Ogden, Jose Higinio Garcia-Jimenez, 54, of Salt Lake City, and Jeison F. Gomez-Diaz, 39, of Riverdale, were each charged with manslaughter, a second-degree felony, in connection to the fatal incident. The charges were filed on Monday in 2nd District Court.
According to charging documents, the incident occurred on the night of February 23 at a nightclub located on the 3500 block of Washington Boulevard. The three security guards, who were on duty at the time, reportedly became involved in a confrontation with a man who allegedly refused to pay for food. The situation escalated when the man attempted to leave the premises.
Gomez-Diaz, one of the guards, is said to have continued to strike and kick the victim, even as the other two security guards pursued him into the middle lane of Washington Boulevard. Despite the man being vulnerable and defenseless, the security guards allegedly continued the assault, leaving him lying on the road.
Less than a minute later, police said, a car exiting a nearby parking lot turned left onto Washington Boulevard, striking the man who was lying in the street. He was severely injured and later died from his injuries.
Authorities have not yet released the name of the victim, but the charges against the three security guards signal serious legal consequences for their actions. The case highlights the importance of accountability for individuals in positions of authority, especially in situations where the safety and well-being of others are at risk.
The investigation is ongoing as law enforcement officials work to gather more details surrounding the incident.