A Utah man is facing attempted murder charges after allegedly stabbing a registered sex offender 17 times. The accused, Thad James Gurule, 32, reportedly attacked the man after he made comments about Gurule’s daughter.
The incident occurred at a residence in Wellington, where authorities were alerted to a man covered in blood standing on the porch. Upon arrival, emergency personnel discovered the victim near the home, suffering from 17 stab wounds. The victim survived the attack, but his current condition remains unknown.
The victim, who remains unidentified, informed the police that he had met his attacker at a post office a few days prior to the incident. He claimed to have no personal relationship with Gurule.
Gurule was later identified as the alleged attacker. He reportedly confessed to the police that he had assaulted the man after he made comments about his daughter. Gurule also admitted to disposing of the knife used in the attack at the scene.
According to reports, Gurule discovered that the man was a registered sex offender after conducting an online search. He initially denied stabbing the man but later confessed to the crime.
Investigators revealed that Gurule had lured the victim out of his apartment by inviting him for a walk to get some food. He initially denied stabbing the victim but later confessed to disposing of the weapon at the scene.
In his confession, Gurule stated that his intention was to kill the victim to protect his daughter, according to the police’s probable cause statement. In addition to the attempted murder charges, Gurule is also facing drug charges. During a search of his residence, officers reportedly found drug paraphernalia, marijuana, and methamphetamine.