Police arrest suspect nearly 20 years after murder in Magna

SALT LAKE CITY — The Salt Lake County Sheriff’s Office has arrested Mark Munoz in connection with the cold case murder of Jason Royter in Magna, accusing him of the fatal stabbing.

A breakthrough in the case came late last year, when DNA evidence linked Munoz to the crime after a match in the national database.

Royter’s son, Andrew, was just 12 years old when he lost his father. When asked about the moment he received the call from police, Andrew shared his emotions.

“It was just like wow… I was in shock. Reliving it every single day for almost 20 years puts a beating on you.”

Reflecting on the time he spent with his father, Andrew recalled the music they shared, particularly their love for Alien Ant Farm’s “Smooth Criminal.” They even saw the band perform live together.

“My first concert was Alien Ant Farm… and I just lived on that… just growing up with him on it… it stuck to me.”

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Standing beside Andrew at the press conference was Jason’s sister, Stephani Perschon. She expressed gratitude toward the Magna community for never losing hope.

“He had so many friends in the Magna community… there was no reason to give up. There was no reason to stop talking about it,” she said.

Perschon also thanked the detectives for their relentless pursuit of justice, even after 20 years. She shared a sense of relief, saying, “It’s been a hell of a 20 years… but we’re here and we’re just gonna move forward.”

Though police remain tight-lipped about the investigation, they confirmed that Munoz is not cooperating. Authorities are urging anyone with information about him or the case to come forward.

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