SALT LAKE CITY — Police have arrested a man in connection with the death of a woman found dead in bed at the Gateway Inn.
Oscar Reyes, 34, told police he and Deborah Haudley, 34, were drinking until midnight, then he found her dead in bed Tuesday morning, said Salt Lake Police Sgt. Robin Snyder.
A preliminary autopsy by a medical examiner, however, determined that Haudley "most likely" died from head trauma, Snyder said.
Homicide detectives interviewed Reyes, and then booked him into Salt Lake County Jail for investigation of murder related to domestic violence.
Reyes told police the couple had a fight over a cell phone Monday night. During the fight, Reyes said he hit Haudley twice on the head "with his open hand," according to a police report.
After the fight, Reyes took a shower and went to bed. In the morning, he said he found her dead next to him.
Reyes informed hotel staff who called 911, the report states.
Reyes and Haudley considered themselves domestic partners and were staying together at the motel at 819 W. North Temple, Snyder said. Police said Haudley is a Utah resident while jail records indicate Reyes is a Mexican citizen.
A clerk at the Gateway Inn estimated that the couple, as well as Reyes' sister, had stayed at the hotel for about a week.
Hotel guests staying below the couple reported hearing yelling and fighting coming from above them during the night, the report states.
— Josh Smith