SOUTH SALT LAKE — At least two people were arrested and two left in critical conditions following a brutal assault and torture late Tuesday.
Tymel Devonne Hicks, 27, and Tausaafia Kayla Fitisemanu, 25, were arrested for investigation of attempted murder, aggravated kidnapping and aggravated robbery. Fitisemanu was also arrested for investigation of obstructing justice.
According to a police affidavit, “two homeless friends,” a 33-year-old man and a 29-year-old woman, were invited to an apartment near 3750 S. 700 West. But at some point during the night, an argument ensued between the apartment owner and the two victims over a missing gun, according to a police affidavit.
“During this time the suspect ended up beating two victims. This escalated to the suspect calling three other males over to his apartment to assist with the assault. The victims reported having been pistol whipped and hit in the head with the butt of a shotgun, and having a knife held to the throat of one of the victims,” the affidavit states.
The two victims were then “forced into a bathtub where gasoline was poured over them. Threats were made by the suspects that they were going to light the victims on fire to burn them. During this torture the victims were then made to drink the gasoline,” according to the affidavit.
After the victims were able to get out of the apartment and go to the hospital, doctors discovered “the male victim had sustained a spinal fracture in addition to ... marks all over his back and shoulders. He also has a large gash over his head and numerous bruises. The female victim suffered a skull fracture along with bruises and other injuries she received from the assault,” according to the affidavit.
This story will be updated as additional information becomes available.