A South Salt Lake man was arrested Wednesday night after allegedly stabbing his roommate in what investigators describe as an unprovoked attack fueled by simmering resentment and alcohol.
According to a police booking affidavit, 29-year-old Jovany Prieto Melchi told officers he felt “bullied,” “degraded” and “belittled” by his roommate — but admitted there was no argument or physical fight immediately before the stabbing.
Victim Found With Stab Wound to Abdomen
Police were called to an apartment near 600 West and 3800 South in South Salt Lake, where officers found the victim suffering from a stab wound to the side of the abdomen. The man was clutching the wound with his hands and reportedly told a witness, “Jovany stabbed me,” while asking the witness to keep Melchi away.
Inside the apartment, officers located Melchi and three witnesses. The witnesses said both men had been in the living room when they heard a commotion. When one roommate stepped out of his bedroom, he saw the victim already wounded and bleeding.
The victim’s exact medical condition has not yet been publicly released, but the case is being treated as aggravated assault resulting in serious injury.
Suspect Says He “Felt Degraded” Before Picking Up Knife
In the affidavit, Melchi allegedly told officers that he and the victim had been drinking alcohol together in the living room prior to the incident. He claimed the victim had been continually bullying and degrading him over time, leaving him frustrated and humiliated.
However, Melchi also admitted there was no argument, fight or direct confrontation right before the stabbing. Instead, he stated he:
- Walked from the living room into the kitchen
- Grabbed a kitchen knife
- Returned and stabbed his roommate in the abdomen
- Then went back into the kitchen and waited for officers to arrive
Police say Melchi described the attack as unprovoked, explaining that he acted because he felt degraded and belittled by the victim’s ongoing behavior.
Arrest and Possible Charges
Melchi was booked into the Salt Lake County Jail on suspicion of:
- Aggravated assault resulting in serious injury
- Public intoxication
Formal charges will be determined by prosecutors with the Salt Lake County District Attorney’s Office after a review of the evidence and witness statements.
For general information on jail bookings and inmate status in the region, the Salt Lake County Sheriff’s Office provides public resources through its official site at Salt Lake County Sheriff’s Office.
Residents seeking crime, safety and community information in the area can also visit the South Salt Lake Police Department, which oversees law enforcement for the city.
Domestic Tension Turning Violent
The case underscores how unresolved roommate conflicts — especially when combined with alcohol use — can escalate suddenly into serious violence.
Police and victim-advocacy groups often encourage people in tense living situations to:
- Set clear boundaries with roommates
- Document ongoing harassment or bullying
- Seek help from property managers, mediators or law enforcement before conflicts turn physical
In this incident, according to police documents, there was no attempt at de-escalation or leaving the situation. Instead, officers say Melchi made a deliberate choice to arm himself and carry out a stabbing that his own statement characterizes as unprovoked.
As the investigation continues, prosecutors will decide whether to pursue felony aggravated assault charges and what enhancements may apply based on the victim’s injuries and the alleged use of a deadly weapon.
