A Utah man with a long and violent criminal history — including firing a gun inside the U.S. Capitol during the Jan. 6, 2021 riot — is now facing a new round of severe felony charges in Salt Lake County.
John Emanuel Banuelos, 40, was charged last month in Utah’s 3rd District Court with aggravated kidnapping and eight counts of aggravated sexual assault, all first-degree felonies. While the charges and warrant were initially sealed, they were made public on Nov. 4 after Banuelos was arrested in Chicago, where he has family ties.
A Record of Violence and Past High-Profile Incidents
Prosecutors say Banuelos has an “extensive violent criminal history” across both Utah and Illinois dating back to 2001. He gained widespread attention in 2021 when he fatally stabbed 19-year-old Christopher Thomas Senn at Liberty Park. Investigators determined Banuelos acted in self-defense, and the Salt Lake County District Attorney’s Office declined to file charges.
During that investigation, detectives learned Banuelos had traveled to Washington, D.C. just six months earlier. In a recorded interview with Salt Lake police, he admitted he entered the Capitol during the Jan. 6 riot and fired two shots into the air. He was later arrested in March 2024 — but all charges were dismissed after former President Donald Trump issued pardons for all Jan. 6 rioters in January.
For more background on federal policies and pardons, visit the U.S. Department of Justice.
DNA Match Links Banuelos to 2018 Assault
The new charges stem from a 2018 incident in Salt Lake County. According to court documents, Banuelos invited a woman to what he described as a house party. But when she arrived, there was no furniture and no party — only Banuelos. Investigators say he drugged and sexually assaulted her for more than 12 hours.
The victim, who was experiencing homelessness at the time, sought medical help after escaping. A DNA sample collected at the hospital later matched Banuelos through a national database in August 2025, according to prosecutors.
Charging documents allege Banuelos deliberately exploited the woman’s vulnerability:
“The defendant lured the victim to his home, drugged her, and then sexually assaulted her for over 12 hours.”
Court Proceedings Underway
Banuelos made his initial court appearance via video on Friday. His next hearing is scheduled for Nov. 20, where prosecutors are expected to outline additional evidence related to the 2018 case.
This remains a developing case, with more information likely to emerge as court proceedings move forward.
