Tragedy Strikes Salt Lake City Shelter: Roommate Accused of Fatal Stabbing

Salt Lake City was rocked by a tragic incident last week when a dispute at a local homeless shelter escalated into a fatal stabbing. Authorities have charged 57-year-old Anthony Scott Taylor with first-degree felony murder following the death of his roommate, 51-year-old Anthony Mayhew, at the Good Samaritan Homeless Shelter.

The horrific event unfolded on Wednesday, April 3, 2024, at approximately 2:00 PM, according to court documents.

The Salt Lake City Police Department was dispatched to the shelter located at 740 W. 800 South after receiving reports of a serious assault. Upon arrival, officers discovered Mayhew deceased in the room he shared with Taylor, having sustained multiple stab wounds to the chest.

Investigations quickly pointed to Taylor as the primary suspect.

According to arrest documents, the fatal altercation stemmed from what began as a seemingly minor disagreement: Mayhew had allegedly taken Taylor's phone charger. This argument, however, tragically spiraled out of control, leading to the deadly confrontation.

During questioning, Taylor reportedly confessed to the stabbing.

He admitted to investigators that he had deliberately sought to "get even" with Mayhew for taking his charger, stating his intent was to kill him. After the brutal attack, Taylor attempted to conceal his crime by cleaning up the scene. He allegedly hid the weapon, a knife, and then fled the shelter.

Law enforcement quickly located Taylor at a nearby park, where he was taken into custody without further incident.

The severity of the charges reflects the premeditated nature of the attack, as described in Taylor's own statements to police.

The Good Samaritan Homeless Shelter, a vital resource for many in the community, now grapples with the aftermath of this devastating event. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the complex challenges faced by vulnerable populations and the tragic consequences when conflicts turn violent within environments designed to offer safety and support.