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OGDEN — A man who police say beat another man and then left him hanging on a piece of gym equipment has been arrested in Ogden for investigation of attempted murder.
And police say Christian Francis Taele, 28, of Lake Shore, in Utah County, is also a suspect in a separate unsolved homicide investigation in Spanish Fork.
Just after 7 p.m. Saturday, Ogden police were called to an apartment complex at 2433 Adams Ave. They found a 23-year-old man in the gym area, "partially hanging by the neck from a piece of gym equipment," according to a police booking affidavit.
A witness told police that Taele walked up to the victim "and began strangling the victim with a rope or strap before kicking the victim numerous times. The victim was dragged into the apartment building and into the gym," the affidavit states.
"The attack was unprovoked and there is no indication that either the suspect or victim have ever spoken prior to the attack," police said. "At the time of this affidavit, the victim is unconscious and has no signs of brain activity. The hospital is awaiting arrival of the victim's next of kin to determine how to proceed with the victim's medical care."
The man remained hospitalized in critical condition Monday, according to a statement from Ogden police.
While questioning Taele, he also claimed to be responsible for a recent killing in Spanish Fork and "provided exact details of the homicide and crime scene that have not been released to the public," the affidavit states.
The body of a man was found Friday in Spanish Fork near a dumpster in the area of 1200 North and 400 East. On Monday, Spanish Fork police confirmed 49-year-old Ryan Hooley, of Spanish Fork, died as a result of homicide. A cause of death has not been released.
"Christian stated that he killed both the victim in Spanish Fork and in Ogden because he was directed to by a higher power and to 'purge' the city," according to the affidavit, "and has stated that he feels no remorse for the killings."
A GoFundMe* campaign was started to help Hooley's family and to cover funeral expenses.
"As I'm sure you can imagine we as his family are struggling to just process this horrible tragedy. There is still a very long road ahead for us all especially for his children," the fundraising site stated. "Ryan was one of the funniest, loving, caring and charismatic people I have ever known. He would literally do anything for anyone....He was one of those people who was instantly loved by anyone he met. He loved his children and they loved him."
The name of the victim in Ogden was not released Monday.
Taele is currently facing charges of disarming a police officer, interfering with an arrest and spitting on an officer for allegedly resisting arrest while riding a UTA train in Lehi without a ticket. An officer attempted to use a Taser during the May incident, but Taele "grabbed the Taser and wrenched it" from the officer's hand, according to charging documents.
*KSL.com does not assure that the money deposited to the account will be applied for the benefit of the persons named as beneficiaries. If you are considering a deposit to the account, you should consult your own advisors and otherwise proceed at your own risk.
