WVC man in last month’s hammer, knife attack dies

WEST VALLEY CITY, Utah — A 68-year-old man attacked by a man wielding a knife and hammer last month has died, police confirmed Monday.

On Jan. 28, West Valley police say Leslie Beus was in his front yard on West Cape Vista Way when he was approached by 19-year-old Gerardo Enrique Perez, who was armed with a knife and hammer.

When Beus was attacked, a family member inside Beus’ house heard the commotion and looked out the window. The scuffle was then carried into the victim’s home.

Beus was struck several times in the head with the hammer, police say.

Prior to the attack, the release states, witnesses saw Perez walking east on Cape Vista Way carrying a knife and hammer and behaving strangely.

The suspect eventually ran from the scene eastbound after the attack.

Witnesses reported seeing the suspect enter the back yard of a home on the 4400 South block of 5630 West.

The release states police obtained entry into the home and found Perez in the basement.

The suspect reportedly rents a portion of the basement.

Perez was initially charged with attempted homicide, a first-degree felony. Police say the charge will be amended to reflect Beus’ death.

Perez was also charged with aggravated residential burglary, a first-degree felony; three counts of aggravated assault, a third-degree felony; resisting arrest; and obstruction of justice, a second-degree felony.