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WEST VALLEY CITY — A 911 call made by a 5-year-old Saturday evening led to the discovery of the child's mother, Belinda Thomas, who had suffered multiple stab wounds and later died from the injuries in spite of resuscitation efforts made by first responders, according to police.
On Sunday, West Valley police identified a suspect in the incident, 50-year-old Darren Byrd, who is being held for investigation of aggravated murder, child abuse, obstruction of justice, possession of a weapon by a restricted person and domestic violence in the presence of a child.
Around 6:30 p.m. Saturday, West Valley City police were called to the 3200 block of West Chester Park Drive, according to West Valley police spokeswoman Roxeanne Vainuku. Thomas' 5-year-old son had made a 911 call indicating that his mother was injured.
Officers arrived and discovered the door to the trailer home was open, Vainuku said in a news release. Inside, they found Thomas, 46, suffering from what appeared to be multiple stab wounds. Officers began life saving efforts but were not able to revive the victim.
In a statement, Vainuku said police were able to find Byrd Saturday night after identifying the vehicle he was driving and locating him near 5400 West and 2400 South, where he was taken into custody.
Vainuku said the relationship between the victim and suspect had not been established, but police believe Byrd and Thomas both lived at the address where Thomas was found.
The Division of Child and Family Services took immediate custody of Thomas’ 5-year-old son.
