Young Delta, Utah man robbed, had ‘Die Fag’ carved into his arm, forced to drink bleach
A young man in Delta, Utah was robbed, had “Die Fag” carved into his arm with a knife, and was forced to drink bleach on a Saturday night in late April, but it doesn’t stop there.
Five days later, the words “Die Fag” were spray-painted on his and his family’s house.
And this week, a Molotov cocktail was thrown through his window and his house was spray-painted again, this time with “You’ll Die. Burn Fag.”
Millard County police are having a hard time finding suspects, because the young man, his family and his pizzeria have no enemies. Everyone loves them.
“Working through this has been a roller coaster,” Rick Jones of Grand Central Pizzeria and Grill in Delta, Utah said in an interview.
After business close on Saturday, April 25, Jones was staying late to finish up the paperwork for the Grand Central Station Pizzeria in Delta, Utah. Jones and his sisters and other family own and manage the restaurant.
“I went out to take out the trash, and when I came back in, I thought it was strange that I didn’t hear the door close,” he said. “I turned around to shut the door, and someone grabbed me by the head and slammed me to the wall.”
What happens next, Jones is unsure because he had passed out.
“I remember waking up and I was lying on the floor,” he said. “Someone was on my chest and legs and they were trying to force me to drink bleach.”
He woke up again after a sister went back to the restaurant to find him when he did not come home. Medical teams were considering life-flighting him to Salt Lake City, but he regained consciousness. He had lacerations — the words “Die Fag” cut into his arm — and a concussion. They attended to his wounds, held him overnight and released him.
The following Thursday morning, April 30, Jones and his family woke up to the same “Die Fag” words spray-painted on their garage door.
But the story continues past the Utah Pride Festival Weekend, as once again, Jones was victimized by a Molotav cocktail thrown through his bedroom window and, “You’ll Die. Burn Fag” spray-painted on the house.
Jones was home at the time and was able to put out the flames with a fire extinguisher before too much damage was done. The family restaurant was also hit by burglary, theft and vandalism that morning.
Millard County Sheriff’s Office sent a press release on June 11 appealing to the community to help find the perpetrators.
“These crimes are the latest in a string of crimes perpetrated against the owners of this local business. The Sheriff’s Office is currently investigating several different leads in these cases. There is a reward available to anyone providing information that leads to the arrest and conviction of the perpetrators of these crimes. Also we would like to encourage all citizens to report any suspicious persons or circumstance to the Sheriff’s Office dispatch immediately.”
Delta is a town in rural Utah of 3,500 people. Much of the economy there is through the Intermountain Power Project, one of the largest coal-fired power plants in America that largely serves California cities. Two mines, alfalfa and dairy farmers round out much of the rest of the economy. Ninety-six percent of the town’s residents are members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
Almost no media attention has been given to the incidents. The police are stretched, as they cover 7,000 square miles of land in Millard County.
In the meantime, a 22-year-old man and his family are being victimized.
I'm at a loss for words to describe my feelings about this. I'm Sad and angry and so disappointed in the citizens of Delta. Some one knows who and are being cowardly.
The FBI needs to get involved in this case as it is obviously a hate crime as well.
Some pressure, on the media, similar to that which occurred regarding another story on this site, needs to be metered by QSL Editor, on newspaper and television media, as well as investigatory questions for the Millard County DA and Sheriff. These are most assuredly hate crimes with a cap H!
So while someone is being violently attacked the cops decided to shut down a child's lemonade stand because the don't have a license/permit. I'm so glad I support Utah police… NOT! FTP AND DO SOMETHING USEFUL WITH THAT BADGE
That was in Texas?
This is awful leave this family alone..
I live in Utah and didn't know about this! It's aweful! This poor man and his family, I will pray and repost this!
Unfortunately this isn't an issue with just the USA…
Even here in Belgium, law enforcement finds it more important to keep an eye out for petty offenses they can fine them for than actually protecting people's lives.
Police officers standing around corners of pedestrian paths, to catch peoole for mild traffic violations, while 1-2 roads down an old lady is probably being robbed.
I wonder if any local xian groups would like to demonstrate their abiding love for others by mounting guard on this man's property to show their disdain for these acts?
I thought not!
Delta is a very conservative place … When a Delta student going to SSU was viciously murdered in 1988… The judge over the trial had a media blackout so the family would not be embarrassed that their son was Gay
I can't find any word of this in the mainstream media, and that angers me.
This is tragic!!!! Where is the coverage on this? I am shocked. Thank you for covering this!!!!
that is absolutely unacceptable I hope the find the people that did this to him and his family.
Delta is my favorite central Utah town, but rural and especially southern Utah has always carried backwoods bigotry as part of it's redneck subculture. It's a disease I've.
I often saw when I worked at Bryce Canyon. It's characteristic of every "If you ain't like me, you ain't shit" group.
The community needs to stand up with this family and handle some second amendment business.
If I lived there I would, this boils my blood.
Jesus, this is appalling and alarming. Those are violent criminals who need to be put out of their misery.
Wouldn't there be camera's on or near the place of his work. And I'd out camera's around the house too.
Get a gun. Set up motion sensors / flood lights. If attacked again, defend yourself. With overwhelming force.
This is just awful!
Choose the right! That means don't hate. It's a small town some one knows something. Shame on them.
I am across an ocean, but would if I could.
I hope some believer sees it and takes up the idea.
I've lived in Delta, Ut. The police will not help. They could quite possibly know who it is and are looking the other way.
Hate crimes are a felony! I hope they nail the bastards!
This is sad, that in a time of so much forward movement with Gay Rights this is happening I am deeply saddened by this and extend my deep thoughts and prayers to Rick and his family……. Best Wishes and stay safe x.
That's so sad! I remember seeing this kid at school. He was always SO nice. However, I lived in Delta for YEARS and never once heard of the Grand Central Pizzeria and Grill…. maybe he's just FROM delta, because I'm unaware of that restaurant in town. And in a small town like that you definitely know when a new restaurant opens up. (I heard about it clear down in St. George when a new Chinese restaurant opened in Delta). No matter where he is, it's extremely heart-wrenching. If someone I know did this, I will be more disappointed than you know.
That's so sad! I remember seeing this kid at school. He was always SO nice. However, I lived in Delta for YEARS and never once heard of the Grand Central Pizzeria and Grill…. maybe he's just FROM delta, because I'm unaware of that restaurant in town. And in a small town like that you definitely know when a new restaurant opens up. (I heard about it clear down in St. George when a new Chinese restaurant opened in Delta). No matter where he is, it's extremely heart-wrenching. If someone I know did this, I will be more disappointed than you know.
That's so sad! I remember seeing this kid at school. He was always SO nice. However, I lived in Delta for YEARS and never once heard of the Grand Central Pizzeria and Grill…. maybe he's just FROM delta, because I'm unaware of that restaurant in town. And in a small town like that you definitely know when a new restaurant opens up. (I heard about it clear down in St. George when a new Chinese restaurant opened in Delta). No matter where he is, it's extremely heart-wrenching. If someone I know did this, I will be more disappointed than you know.
This absolutely breaks my heart. Even in Delta….. 🙁
Why do people have to hate!!!!!
I would guess that there is someone among their friends who is not a friend.
This is where the pizza house/The hub use to be.
Well, my question is what are they supposed to do? If they don't have any leads what should they do? Put one of their very few officers on him as a body guard? I wish that were possible but it's not.
We get mad at the cops for "not doing anything" when they are, usually, doing all they can. It's not like on TV where it takes 2 seconds to get a finger print match and 5 minutes to get DNA. It can take hours to weeks to get prints and months or years for DNA.
If the community won't step up and tell the cops anything useful what can the cops really do? This isn't a problem of the police not doing anything, it's a problem of a community not doing anything.
I'm gonna pray pray pray. So very sorry and am also gonna light a white candle for this gentleman.
Think maybe some cameras are needed.
Perfect! I was thinking it was still the Hub (I worked at the Pizza House in high school). So it's kind of newer then.
That was a vicious horrible horrible murder of a wonderful wonderful boy
This is clearly a hate crime, but why would that warrant the FBI? The FBI gets involved when it's a Federal crime.
I hope they realise how many people are truly appauled by the incidents. I for one would be willing to stand on their behalf to say the offenders are abhorant and should receive the harshest possible sentencing WHEN they are caught. NO to H8!
Condemning this act as an ex Rhodesian and now South African were not in support of hate crimes, genocide and with our farmers elderly vulnerable BOERE were survive, take care guys does not matter about gender equality, its about hatred for whites,
Find them and end them.
Correct me if I'm wrong but there's ZERO coverage of this in the Salt Lake Tribune. That is an outrage.
same thing I said 🙂 and install cameras. it can't be just one person doing it. if that's the case I would move.
The Southern Poverty Law Center should get involved, they track hate crimes, hate groups, things like this.
that's what I would do
Considering past scenarios with law enforcement in the USA where it was obviously hate crime but they wrote it off as simple assault, I wouldn't be surprised that even if they did in this 101% obvious case…
It's sad how much people are willing to blindfold themselves and deny all the clear evidence just to make it "not about gays".
Bigoted cowards behave this way. Kind of reminds me of the KKK hiding under their sheets. Shame on the people of Delta for not standing up against such hateful behavior!
Bigoted cowards behave this way. Kind of reminds me of the KKK hiding under their sheets. Shame on the people of Delta for not standing up against such hateful behavior!
This is so sad. This is a great family that doesn't deserve this. I know the great little town of Delta will stand behind this family and get whoever has done such horrible things.
I Hate to hear that someone could be so mistreated and that it has taken so long for the public to find out about this crime! Scary to think that this Hate exists in this small town!!!
Jesus, Utah! WTF?!?!?
That was a vicious horrible horrible murder of a wonderful wonderful boy
Condemning this act as an ex Rhodesian and now South African were not in support of hate crimes, genocide and with our farmers elderly vulnerable BOERE were survive, take care guys does not matter about gender equality, its about hatred for whites,
This is terrible. Hatred is such a powerful force. It's frightening…
Oh my gosh what has this country come to. As I sit here crying for the suffering of this family. This young man. Please find the offenders such hate and not a clue of understanding make me sick.
This is so sad. This is a great family that doesn't deserve this. I know the great little town of Delta will stand behind this family and get whoever has done such horrible things.
You worked at Bryce Canyon? Lucky! One of the most gorgeous places on the planet!
Kendra Ruzicka Stone please read the Matthew Shepard and James Byrd Jr. Hate Crimes Prevention Act.
Mean people SUCK! Hope they get found & get WHAT THEY DESERVE!
I feel so bad 4 him
The perps obviously have some sexual issues to overcome.
Seriously Take a Real Look Around Who Is Going To Help You The Law! Hmm NOT! Or The Citizens Who See But Look The Other WaY & Say Nothing! Best Advice ~Secure Your Family Rest! With Security Camera's And Hidden Cameras! And Secure Your Self. There Is A Thing Called Self Defense Just Make Sure You Have Plenty Of Wittness~, You Could MoVe But WhY! It's Yr Home U Have The Right To StaY!
I hope when they find these people that have no better thing to do then hurt other people get what coming to them. and not just a slap on the hands.
Really your going to attack the police now? Shut up you dummy and please educate yourself
Let's not create more judgement and hate. It's backwards to encourage acceptance and then classify a whole group of people as bigots. Variety is the spice of life.
http://statement-analysis.blogspot.com/2015/06/statement-analysis-ricky-jones-and-hate.html
Rebakah Keogh Well said. It is amazing how people think that hate solves hate, or shouting down others works. You make an intelligent point.
Hating on people of faith! I wonder how much discernment you have.
Peter Hyatt Enough, Peter, to understand just how much hatred there is from people of faith towards those who do not believe as they do.
It was one of the reasons I walked away from the "faith". There was too much hatred and bigotry among the people.
I have more insight than you know and more discernment than you would be comfortable with.
Take your "moral high ground" elsewhere.
Sad. My heart goes out to the family. Waiting on the world to change…:(
That is very sad….makes you wonder about the true culture in that town.
Since this story broke I've exchanged a few emails with a Greg Schafer who answers the email for Delta Mayor Bunker. I was wondering why the mayor and city council had not made any form of public statement.
So today there is this. It's not a lot but it's the right thing for them to do. They seem like genuine and nice people.
http://www.delta.utah.gov/index.php
This man and his family could have been killed! .. After reading this article there needs to be police protection 24 7!
I am so very sorry for you having to go through this barbarick act…..it's too bad these individuals are so narrow mined, unchristian, and backward. Please know you are dearly loved and have a lot of support. I will do all I can to help find the individuals responsible.
Some people have no compassion. I am pretty sure they are under educated bullies. Hopefully this will be an example to others on how not to behave.
Holli Peterson, I don't think it killed him!… still horrific thing to do to another human being! !
https://www.facebook.com/ksltv/posts/10153631166823676
Not true! All made up by the "victim"!
UPDATE! NOT TRUE = ALL MADE UP BY "VICTIM"!
This was found to be a staged event and the person who the crime " happened to " admitted he staged it .
You may want to update this story. Police found out and he confessed that he staged everything.
Now that this poor young man has admitted he fabricated the entire story, bilked 12k from empathetic donors, and damaged the credibility of future "hate crime"claims. … I'm curious of how the below posters will respond to this question.: If a straight guy shows intolerance to the gay community it's a hate crime. … does that work in reverse as well, considering all things involved with equality? If not, or if so, I'm interested in the reasoning for the answer. (And for the record, I completely support the lbgt community and equality). I really am interested in the viewpoints. ..
The police did a pretty sweet job solving this case. It would seem he did this to himself.
This, as so many similar "hate crimes" turned out to be, was faked and staged:
<a href="http://www.salon.com/2015/07/01/authorities_gay_slur_carved_into_utah_mans_arm_was_staged/">http://www.salon.com/2015/07/01/authorities_gay_slur_carved_into_utah_mans_arm_was_staged/</a>
Are you kidding me? Just because he's gay? What exactly did he do besides exist?
All fabricated by the "victim," reported in the news today.
Never mind I just saw the story on fox 13 can't believe someone would do that to themselves.
Now that everyone knows it was a lie what now? I mean he obviously needs some attention. I hope that everyone who jumped on the "bigoted" band wagon has something to say.
Just thought you might want to update your report. https://www.ksl.com/index.php?sid=35308903&nid=148&title=alleged-hate-crimes-against-gay-delta-man-were-staged-police-say&fm=home_page&s_cid=topstory
The guy did this all to himself, no hate crime
Erin – I believe the creeps that attacked him were the ones that carved his arm.
Hey idiots, what was so "obviously" a hate crime to all of you was actually totally faked and completely made up by the "victim". He admitted it all to the investigators and now will probably go to jail for staging it all. Here's a newsflash: don't believe everything you hear, not every "victim" is telling the truth, and just because someone is gay does not make them infallible or guiltless.
Hmmm. The guy staged all the incidents it turns out. no hate crime committed–except from himself to himself..
He did it to himself and then reported the "crime." Updated in the news yesterday.
Or the guy that carves stuff into his own arm for attention …
http://www.ksl.com/?nid=148&sid=35308903