- Jesus Alejandro Ramirez-Padilla, 30, was arrested for investigation of attempted murder in Salt Lake City.
- He allegedly slit a woman's throat while under the influence of drugs.
- The woman, found in critical condition, was taken to a hospital for treatment.
SALT LAKE CITY — A man who allegedly told police he was high on drugs and felt like killing someone was arrested Wednesday and accused of slitting a woman's throat.
Jesus Alejandro Ramirez-Padilla, 30, was booked into the Salt Lake County Jail for investigation of attempted murder, obstruction of justice, aggravated assault resulting in serious injury and possession of drug paraphernalia.
Salt Lake police first responded to reports of a woman "crying and moaning" in an alley near 2525 S. 500 East.
"Officers stated (the woman) was bleeding from the neck. Life-saving measures were taken, and (the woman) was rushed to an area hospital. (She) is currently reported as in critical but stable condition," according to a police booking affidavit.
Investigators canvassed the area for surveillance video and reported finding video of Ramirez-Padilla and the woman entering the alley.
"The footage further shows (the woman) on the ground with a wheelbarrow over her body," the affidavit states. "(The woman) is then seen walking into the alley. (She) is moaning and crying and appears to be in pain and having a difficult time standing."
A man matching the description of the man in the video was located a short time later near 2100 South and 400 East. Police say he had "what appeared to be blood stains on his hands and pants."
Ramirez-Padilla claimed he and the woman were smoking meth and he "had been having thoughts of killing someone, and today, he decided that he was going to kill (the woman). Jesus said he strangled (the woman) from behind while they were both standing until (she) became unconscious and fell to the ground. Once on the ground, Jesus placed his hands around (her) neck and continued (choking her)," police wrote in the affidavit.
"Jesus said he wanted to take (the woman) out of her misery and then used a blade to cut her throat two or three times. Jesus told detectives he intended to kill (the woman). Jesus told detectives his state of mind was altered from ingesting drugs."
Police say Ramirez-Padilla "is a Mexican national with ties to Mexico and does not have any U.S. identifying documents."
