MAGNA, Utah – Nearly two decades after the brutal murder of Jason Royter, investigators have made an arrest in the case. Royter, 33, was found dead in his Magna home in August 2005, having been beaten and stabbed. Despite collecting DNA evidence at the crime scene, authorities were unable to make a match at the time.
However, in 2024, that same DNA evidence led to a breakthrough when it was matched through the Combined DNA Index System (CODIS), ultimately identifying Mark Nelson Munoz, 53, as a suspect in the case. Munoz was arrested after a lengthy investigation that involved coordination with the Utah Bureau of Forensic Services and extensive interviews with potential witnesses.
“This arrest is a testament to the dedication and commitment of our detectives who never gave up on finding justice for Jason Royter,” said Salt Lake County Sheriff Rosie Rivera in a statement. “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.”
Detective Ben Pender, who was one of the first officers to arrive at the scene of Royter’s death in 2005, noted in arrest documents that Munoz had been difficult to track down over the years. Described as homeless and without a stable phone or contacts, Munoz had a history of leaving the state and was reportedly out of touch with both family and friends.
Munoz was ultimately arrested in connection with an unrelated crime committed in another state, which led to the DNA match. He is now being held in the Salt Lake County Jail without bail, facing a charge of first-degree felony murder.
In 2019, Detective Pender told ABC4’s Marcos Ortiz that he believed Royter may have known his attacker, suggesting that the confrontation at Royter’s home may have started as a disagreement that spiraled into violence. “Things got out of hand,” Pender said at the time.
Andrew Royter, Jason’s son, spoke about the relief his family felt after the arrest. “From last night it’s been a huge relief just taken off our shoulders, chest, soul,” he said. “I used to be an angry person. After last night it felt like I had 10 years of therapy hit me all at once and I feel so much better. I feel happier.”
Though investigators are still unclear about the relationship, if any, between Royter and Munoz, they continue to search for additional information. Munoz has reportedly refused to speak with authorities, complicating the investigation further.
Sheriff Rivera reiterated the importance of community assistance in solving cold cases, encouraging anyone with information to come forward. “We’re still asking for any help, any information that could assist in getting to the full truth,” she said.
Anyone with information regarding Royter’s murder is urged to contact the Salt Lake County Sheriff’s Office at 385-468-9816.
This arrest serves as a poignant reminder of the power of forensic science, which continues to help solve cold cases that otherwise might have remained unsolved forever. For the Royter family, it brings a step closer to justice—and a sense of closure that has eluded them for nearly 20 years.