WEST VALLEY CITY — A 65-year-old man died Friday after, police say, his nephew pushed him down a flight of stairs.

Joseph Hewitt was pronounced dead at about 7 a.m., less than 24 hours after he was rushed to the University of Utah Hospital following a fight Thursday night, said West Valley Police Capt. Tom McLachlan.

The nephew, Kenneth Tupea, 32, was booked into jail for investigation of attempted homicide and aggravated assault. More charges will depend on the results of an autopsy, McLachlan said.

Tupea was called to a home near 4500 W. 3200 South to help Hewitt and another uncle, 67, move out, McLachlan said.

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Police say the three got in a fight and Tupea pushed Hewitt down the stairs before hitting the other uncle with a wooden cane.

That uncle was treated and released from Pioneer Valley Hospital.

Court records indicate Tupea has a long criminal record, including multiple assault convictions.

— Josh Smith

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