A Utah father is facing serious criminal charges after police say he repeatedly stabbed a man who was later identified as a registered sex offender. The violent incident reportedly happened after the victim allegedly made inappropriate comments to the suspect’s daughter.
Father Arrested After Alleged Stabbing Incident
Suspect Booked on Attempted Murder Charge
Authorities arrested 32-year-old Thad James Gurule and booked him into the Carbon County Jail on an attempted murder charge. Responding officers were called to a Wellington residence on Monday after receiving reports that a man covered in blood was standing on the front porch.
Victim Suffered 17 Stab Wounds
When emergency crews arrived, they discovered the unidentified victim near the property with 17 stab wounds, according to local reports. Although he survived the attack, officials have not confirmed his current condition.
Victim and Suspect’s First Encounter
Brief Meeting Days Before the Attack
The victim told investigators that he did not know Gurule personally. Their only interaction took place several days earlier at a post office, where they briefly crossed paths.
Suspect’s Alleged Motive
Police say Gurule admitted to being involved in the assault, claiming he reacted after hearing that the man had allegedly made comments about his daughter. A search on the internet reportedly led Gurule to discover that the man was a registered sex offender, which investigators believe influenced his actions.
How the Attack Allegedly Happened
Lured Victim Out of His Apartment
According to the probable cause statement, Gurule went to the victim’s apartment and coaxed him outside under the pretense of taking a walk to get food. Investigators say that once outside, the attack occurred.
Initial Denial, Later Admission
Reports reveal that Gurule first denied any involvement in the stabbing. However, he later admitted to discarding the knife at the scene. Officers noted in the affidavit that Gurule confessed he “intended to kill the victim to protect his daughter.”
Additional Criminal Charges Filed
Drugs and Paraphernalia Recovered
During a search of Gurule’s home, officers reportedly discovered drug paraphernalia, marijuana, and methamphetamine. As a result, the suspect is now also facing multiple drug-related charges in addition to attempted murder.
This disturbing case highlights a volatile mix of fear, retaliation, and alleged vigilante behavior. While the suspect claims he acted out of concern for his daughter’s safety, the legal consequences he now faces underscore that taking justice into one’s own hands carries severe repercussions.
The investigation remains ongoing as authorities work to determine the full circumstances surrounding the stabbing and the victim’s current medical condition.
