- Five men, including Jose Manuel Gervacio, are arrested in connection with a double stabbing in Heber City.
- The stabbings occurred at a quinceañera on Sunday, injuring two men, one critically.
- Police identified suspects through surveillance and anonymous tips; motive remains unclear.
HEBER CITY — All five men wanted in connection with a double stabbing at a quinceañera party in Heber City on Sunday are now in custody.
Jose Manuel Gervacio, 20, who had a warrant issued for his arrest for attempted murder and aggravated burglary, first-degree felonies; and aggravated assault, a third-degree felony, "voluntarily surrendered" to police about 11:40 p.m. Tuesday, according to the Heber City Police Department.
The fifth man who was previously unidentified, Justin Joel Ortiz, 26, was also booked into the Wasatch County Jail on Tuesday after walking into the Wasatch County Sheriff's Office about 8:30 p.m. to surrender. He was charged on Wednesday in 4th District Court with attempted murder and aggravated burglary, first-degree felonies; and aggravated assault, a second-degree felony.
The investigation began about 11:40 p.m. Sunday, when officers were called to the Junction restaurant at 1268 S. U.S. 189. Police learned that two men, ages 34 and 21, had been stabbed. A man stabbed in the abdomen was flown by medical helicopter in critical condition to a hospital in Salt Lake City. A man stabbed in the leg was treated at the scene and later released.
Investigators learned that the stabbings happened during a private quinceañera birthday party being held at the restaurant, which was closed to the public at the time. A quinceañera is a traditional celebration in Latin American cultures for a girl's 15th birthday.
David Gervacio, 22; Cristian Gervacio, 18; and Johnny Gervacio, 28, were each booked into the Wasatch County Jail and charged Tuesday afternoon in 4th District Court with attempted murder and aggravated burglary, first-degree felonies; and aggravated assault, a third-degree felony. Cristian Gervacio received an additional charge of drug possession, a class A misdemeanor.
At the time, Jose Gervacio was not found by officers. Police also said that a fifth unidentified man was involved.
"Based on an anonymous tip, officers were able to identify the unidentified male as Justin Joel Ortiz. Shortly after identifying Justin, I was informed he was at the Wasatch County Sheriff's Office. Justin was placed under arrest," a police booking affidavit filed Wednesday states.
"Jose Manuel Gervacio, Cristian Gervacio, David Gervacio, Johnny Gervacio and Justin Joel Ortiz acted in concert to commit a violent group assault resulting in two stabbings, one of which caused life-threatening injuries. Surveillance (video) shows Jose concealing a weapon, initiating the stabbing, and all five suspects engaging in coordinated, aggressive behavior before fleeing," the affidavit continues.
A motive for the stabbings remained under investigation Wednesday.
