Police say a workplace confrontation in Salt Lake City turned terrifying on Friday when a 42-year-old employee allegedly pulled a knife on a co-worker, held it to their throat, and said he was going to kill them.
Officers identified the suspect as Charles Jamison Hower. According to court documents, Hower later told police he had threatened the co-worker and intended to kill them. Investigators say the only thing that kept the blade from coming out was a bit of bad DIY on the sheath.
What investigators say
According to FOX 13 News, the victim told officers Hower announced he was going to kill them before producing the knife and pressing it to the victim's neck.
Hower was arrested Friday and is being held without bail, FOX 13 News reported.
In the charging documents, investigators describe the incident as a targeted threat. They say the knife stayed stuck in its sheath because the sheath had been secured with duct tape, which jammed when Hower tried to draw the blade. The filings note that this malfunction “does not negate Hower's actions that were intended to cause serious harm or death.”
Charges and legal exposure
Hower faces a charge of attempted aggravated murder, a serious felony brought when prosecutors allege an attempt to kill.
Under Utah law, an attempt to commit aggravated murder that results in serious bodily injury can carry an indeterminate prison term of at least 15 years and up to life, under Utah Code § 76-4-102, as cited by Justia. How the case is ultimately charged, and whether any mitigating factors come into play, will determine the potential sentence if Hower is convicted.
Case status and next steps
Hower remains in custody as the case moves through early court proceedings. An arraignment date and any formal prosecutor statements were not immediately available.
Salt Lake City prosecutors are expected to review the case file and decide whether to proceed with aggravated counts or pursue other charges. Anyone with information about the incident is generally asked to contact the Salt Lake City Police Department.
