‘I wanted to murder him’: Salt Lake son charged in attempted murder of his 71-year-old father
SALT LAKE CITY (ABC4) — Charges have been filed against a Salt Lake City man who allegedly attempted to murder his 71-year-old father after a verbal altercation earlier this month.
The Salt Lake County District Attorney’s Office said Matthew Todd Radin, 25, stabbed his father 12 times on Monday, March 11, eight of which required staples or stitches.
He has been charged with first-degree felony domestic violence attempted murder, or alternatively, second-degree felony domestic violence aggravated abuse of a vulnerable adult, and misdemeanor possession of a dangerous weapon and possession of a controlled substance.
According to court documents, Radin told detectives he and his father have “a history of not getting along.” Radin said he was cutting a toothpick with a knife when his father allegedly started to yell at him and call him “stupid.” His father told detectives he told Radin not to use a kitchen knife and gave him a green pocket knife to use instead.
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Radin allegedly cursed at his father, who reportedly then smacked his son in the face. Police said the two then began wrestling each other leading to Radin allegedly stabbing his father multiple times with the pocket knife. The District Attorney’s Office said the victim suffered injuries to his face, arms and eyes.
Detectives said Radin admitted to stabbing his father but claimed it was in self-defense. While being questioned by authorities Radin allegedly said, “I wanted to just keep going and I wanted to murder him,” and “I really did want to kill him, but I didn’t want to be in any trouble.”
“When your family is experiencing a crisis, resources are available to help you and your loved ones,” said Salt Lake County District Attorney Sim Gill. “We hope the victim will make a full recovery from the multiple injuries he suffered. We appreciate the detectives at West Jordan Police Department for completing the necessary interviews to file these charges.”
Charges are allegations only. All arrested persons are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
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