Orem man admits killing girlfriend during argument over vape pen

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AMERICAN FORK — An Orem man admitted Tuesday that he strangled his girlfriend, 20-year-old Sandra Robles, during an argument over a vape pen.

Daniel Padilla-Ang, 28, pleaded guilty to murder related to domestic violence, a first-degree felony.

Padilla-Ang called 911 early in the morning on March 25 and reported that he had strangled Robles. Deputy Utah County attorney Peter Reichman said police found Padilla-Ang with blood on his hands and found the victim in his bedroom not breathing. They attempted to revive her, but the attempts were not successful.

Padilla-Ang told detectives that Robles had a THC vape pen he wanted to use, and it broke as he grabbed it from her. Robles slapped Padilla-Ang, and he responded by shaking and strangling her.

Padilla-Ang drank a few shots of alcohol and texted family members before calling 911, according to court documents.

Fourth District Judge Roger Griffin told Padilla-Ang he would likely spend 15 years in prison before being considered for parole, and could be in prison for life, if he pled guilty. Padilla-Ang said he understood this.

Padilla-Ang is scheduled to be sentenced on Aug. 30.