Roberto Arguelles
Utah Serial Killer Case
CLASSIFICATION: Serial Homicide
LOCATION
West Valley City, Utah
TIME PERIOD
February – March 1992
VICTIMS
4 confirmed
Roberto V. Arguelles, known as "The Salt Lake City Strangler," was an American serial killer who confessed to the rape and murder of at least one woman and three teenagers in West Valley City, Utah, between February and March 1992. He was apprehended on August 8, 1992, while already serving a life sentence for child molestation. Following his confession, Arguelles pleaded guilty to the murders and was sentenced to death; however, he died from a bowel obstruction at the Utah State Prison on November 15, 2003, before his sentence could be carried out. Investigative findings linked him to multiple unsolved cases through DNA evidence, solidifying his status as a serial offender with a history of sexual violence.
Roberto Arguelles is believed to have committed additional murders beyond the four he confessed to, as some speculate that his violent tendencies and history of sexual offenses suggest a higher victim count. Investigators also theorize that his early life experiences, including a troubled childhood and violent behavior, contributed to his criminal actions. Additionally, there are discussions about potential connections to unsolved cases in the region during the same time frame, indicating that he may have been involved in other crimes.
The Sinister Tale of Roberto Arguelles: The Salt Lake City Strangler
In the shadowed corridors of true crime, few figures cast a darker or more twisted silhouette than Roberto V. Arguelles. Born on Valentine's Day in 1962 in Kearns, Utah, this American serial killer earned the sinister moniker, "The Salt Lake City Strangler." His tale is one of depravity and violence, marked by a heinous spree of murders and sex crimes that culminated in his untimely demise on November 15, 2003, at the Utah State Prison. The story of Arguelles is not just a chronicle of his crimes but a chilling journey through the mind of a man who left a trail of tragedy in his wake.
Early Life and Crimes
Arguelles grew up in a family that relocated to a pig farm in Salt Lake City when he was young. His criminal journey began at the tender age of 15, when he was caught attempting to steal a car in September 1977. Despite being placed on probation, his behavior only deteriorated. In June 1978, he was sent to a youth shelter after assaulting his girlfriend, brother, and mother. His time there was marked by a brief escape, only to return six days later.
The descent into violence escalated on October 5, 1978, when Arguelles kidnapped and molested a 10-year-old girl. Instead of facing immediate incarceration, he was placed under house arrest by the juvenile court. This leniency was followed by a November charge for molesting a 7-year-old, but this charge was eventually dropped. The following year, he faced trial for the February rape of a 17-year-old, resulting in a guilty verdict on both counts. Arguelles was sent to the State Youth Development Center in Ogden, with a recommendation to be held until he was 21.
Despite his incarceration, the system faltered. The center lacked a treatment program for juvenile sex offenders and attempts to transfer him to the Utah State Hospital were rejected. Even a proposal to send him to California for treatment fell through, leading to his release on December 19, 1979. The only stipulation was that he attend therapy sessions with a sociology graduate student from the University of Utah.
In a tragic turn, this decision did little to curb his violent tendencies. On March 3, 1980, Arguelles kidnapped and sexually assaulted a 15-year-old student from Granger High School. He threatened her life to ensure her silence before leaving her at her school. Just three days later, he targeted a 14-year-old girl on her way to West Lake Junior High, repeating his brutal pattern of assault. This time, he escalated the violence by slashing her throat. Miraculously, she survived, reaching a nearby house for help and providing the police with a detailed description that led to Arguelles' arrest. He confessed, pleading guilty to charges of attempted murder, aggravated rape, and sexual abuse in adult court. Despite repeated attempts at parole, his pleas were denied until June 25, 1991.
Imprisonment and Grim Confessions
After his release, Arguelles' freedom was short-lived. On August 1, 1992, he impersonated a security guard to molest two siblings outside Orchard Elementary School in West Valley City. A week later, his attempt to lure two 10-year-old girls into his car at Hunter High School was thwarted by a vigilant highway worker who alerted the police. Arrested shortly after, Arguelles was convicted of molesting the Orchard Elementary siblings and sentenced to life with the possibility of parole.
During his incarceration, Arguelles began to speak of darker deeds, bragging to fellow inmates about the murder of young girls and women in 1992. These claims caught the attention of investigators, leading to an interview in July 1995. Arguelles confessed to the murders of Lisa Martinez, 16, and Tuesday Roberts, 15, who vanished on March 30, 1992, while walking to Valley Fair Mall. He led authorities to their graves near his stepfather's pig farm, revealing the brutality of their deaths—Martinez stabbed 43 times with a wood chisel and Roberts strangled with a rope.
Months later, he admitted to two more murders: Margo Bond, a 42-year-old janitor who disappeared in February 1992, and 13-year-old Stephanie Blundell, murdered in March 1992. Bond's body was discovered months later in Tooele County, while Arguelles led investigators to Blundell's remains in the American Fork Canyon. Despite his claims, the jewelry he allegedly took from Blundell was never recovered, though a former housemate testified to seeing him with it.
Trial, Sentence, and Death
Before facing murder charges, Arguelles sought to overturn his sex offense convictions, claiming ineffective counsel. The Utah Supreme Court upheld the convictions. In May 1997, when brought to trial, Arguelles declared his intent to plead guilty and waive his appeal rights, expressing a desire to be executed. He represented himself during sentencing, appearing detached as witnesses testified against him. Despite his behavior, he questioned several witnesses, including a detective from his previous conviction.
His stand-in attorneys suggested he suffered from blackouts or possibly a multiple personality disorder, but Arguelles remained unwavering in his desire for a death sentence, preferring it be delivered by a judge rather than a jury. On June 21, 1997, he got his wish, sentenced to death by firing squad. Arguelles, in an unusual request, asked not to wear the traditional black cap during his execution, wanting to "see [death] coming." The execution date of August 22 was automatically appealed, with his attorneys questioning his mental state.
While awaiting his fate, Arguelles attempted suicide and began exhibiting bizarre behavior, such as eating his own feces, paper, and plastic, which led to hospitalizations for intestinal blockages. In court appearances, he was restrained in a wheelchair, his head covered to prevent spitting. On November 15, 2003, a guard found him unresponsive in his cell. Taken to the infirmary, he initially revived but later succumbed to a bowel obstruction.
The tale of Roberto Arguelles is a grim reminder of the depths of human depravity and the failures of systems meant to protect society. His life ended as chaotically as it was lived, leaving behind a legacy of pain and unanswered questions.
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First Murders
Roberto Arguelles begins a series of murders in West Valley City, Utah.
Teenagers Disappear
16-year-old Lisa Martinez and 15-year-old Tuesday Roberts vanish while walking to the mall.
Arrest for Molestation
Roberto Arguelles is arrested for molesting two children posing as a security guard.
Confession to Murders
Arguelles confesses to the murders of Lisa Martinez and Tuesday Roberts, leading police to their graves.
Additional Confessions
Arguelles confesses to two more murders: Margo Bond and Stephanie Blundell.
Trial Begins
Roberto Arguelles' trial begins; he announces intention to plead guilty and seeks death penalty.
Sentenced to Death
Arguelles is sentenced to death for the four murders, choosing firing squad as method.
Death in Prison
Roberto Arguelles dies from bowel obstruction while on death row.
Roberto V. Arguelles, known as "The Salt Lake City Strangler," was an American serial killer who confessed to the rape and murder of at least one woman and three teenagers in West Valley City, Utah, between February and March 1992. He was apprehended on August 8, 1992, while already serving a life sentence for child molestation. Following his confession, Arguelles pleaded guilty to the murders and was sentenced to death; however, he died from a bowel obstruction at the Utah State Prison on November 15, 2003, before his sentence could be carried out. Investigative findings linked him to multiple unsolved cases through DNA evidence, solidifying his status as a serial offender with a history of sexual violence.
Roberto Arguelles is believed to have committed additional murders beyond the four he confessed to, as some speculate that his violent tendencies and history of sexual offenses suggest a higher victim count. Investigators also theorize that his early life experiences, including a troubled childhood and violent behavior, contributed to his criminal actions. Additionally, there are discussions about potential connections to unsolved cases in the region during the same time frame, indicating that he may have been involved in other crimes.
The Sinister Tale of Roberto Arguelles: The Salt Lake City Strangler
In the shadowed corridors of true crime, few figures cast a darker or more twisted silhouette than Roberto V. Arguelles. Born on Valentine's Day in 1962 in Kearns, Utah, this American serial killer earned the sinister moniker, "The Salt Lake City Strangler." His tale is one of depravity and violence, marked by a heinous spree of murders and sex crimes that culminated in his untimely demise on November 15, 2003, at the Utah State Prison. The story of Arguelles is not just a chronicle of his crimes but a chilling journey through the mind of a man who left a trail of tragedy in his wake.
Early Life and Crimes
Arguelles grew up in a family that relocated to a pig farm in Salt Lake City when he was young. His criminal journey began at the tender age of 15, when he was caught attempting to steal a car in September 1977. Despite being placed on probation, his behavior only deteriorated. In June 1978, he was sent to a youth shelter after assaulting his girlfriend, brother, and mother. His time there was marked by a brief escape, only to return six days later.
The descent into violence escalated on October 5, 1978, when Arguelles kidnapped and molested a 10-year-old girl. Instead of facing immediate incarceration, he was placed under house arrest by the juvenile court. This leniency was followed by a November charge for molesting a 7-year-old, but this charge was eventually dropped. The following year, he faced trial for the February rape of a 17-year-old, resulting in a guilty verdict on both counts. Arguelles was sent to the State Youth Development Center in Ogden, with a recommendation to be held until he was 21.
Despite his incarceration, the system faltered. The center lacked a treatment program for juvenile sex offenders and attempts to transfer him to the Utah State Hospital were rejected. Even a proposal to send him to California for treatment fell through, leading to his release on December 19, 1979. The only stipulation was that he attend therapy sessions with a sociology graduate student from the University of Utah.
In a tragic turn, this decision did little to curb his violent tendencies. On March 3, 1980, Arguelles kidnapped and sexually assaulted a 15-year-old student from Granger High School. He threatened her life to ensure her silence before leaving her at her school. Just three days later, he targeted a 14-year-old girl on her way to West Lake Junior High, repeating his brutal pattern of assault. This time, he escalated the violence by slashing her throat. Miraculously, she survived, reaching a nearby house for help and providing the police with a detailed description that led to Arguelles' arrest. He confessed, pleading guilty to charges of attempted murder, aggravated rape, and sexual abuse in adult court. Despite repeated attempts at parole, his pleas were denied until June 25, 1991.
Imprisonment and Grim Confessions
After his release, Arguelles' freedom was short-lived. On August 1, 1992, he impersonated a security guard to molest two siblings outside Orchard Elementary School in West Valley City. A week later, his attempt to lure two 10-year-old girls into his car at Hunter High School was thwarted by a vigilant highway worker who alerted the police. Arrested shortly after, Arguelles was convicted of molesting the Orchard Elementary siblings and sentenced to life with the possibility of parole.
During his incarceration, Arguelles began to speak of darker deeds, bragging to fellow inmates about the murder of young girls and women in 1992. These claims caught the attention of investigators, leading to an interview in July 1995. Arguelles confessed to the murders of Lisa Martinez, 16, and Tuesday Roberts, 15, who vanished on March 30, 1992, while walking to Valley Fair Mall. He led authorities to their graves near his stepfather's pig farm, revealing the brutality of their deaths—Martinez stabbed 43 times with a wood chisel and Roberts strangled with a rope.
Months later, he admitted to two more murders: Margo Bond, a 42-year-old janitor who disappeared in February 1992, and 13-year-old Stephanie Blundell, murdered in March 1992. Bond's body was discovered months later in Tooele County, while Arguelles led investigators to Blundell's remains in the American Fork Canyon. Despite his claims, the jewelry he allegedly took from Blundell was never recovered, though a former housemate testified to seeing him with it.
Trial, Sentence, and Death
Before facing murder charges, Arguelles sought to overturn his sex offense convictions, claiming ineffective counsel. The Utah Supreme Court upheld the convictions. In May 1997, when brought to trial, Arguelles declared his intent to plead guilty and waive his appeal rights, expressing a desire to be executed. He represented himself during sentencing, appearing detached as witnesses testified against him. Despite his behavior, he questioned several witnesses, including a detective from his previous conviction.
His stand-in attorneys suggested he suffered from blackouts or possibly a multiple personality disorder, but Arguelles remained unwavering in his desire for a death sentence, preferring it be delivered by a judge rather than a jury. On June 21, 1997, he got his wish, sentenced to death by firing squad. Arguelles, in an unusual request, asked not to wear the traditional black cap during his execution, wanting to "see [death] coming." The execution date of August 22 was automatically appealed, with his attorneys questioning his mental state.
While awaiting his fate, Arguelles attempted suicide and began exhibiting bizarre behavior, such as eating his own feces, paper, and plastic, which led to hospitalizations for intestinal blockages. In court appearances, he was restrained in a wheelchair, his head covered to prevent spitting. On November 15, 2003, a guard found him unresponsive in his cell. Taken to the infirmary, he initially revived but later succumbed to a bowel obstruction.
The tale of Roberto Arguelles is a grim reminder of the depths of human depravity and the failures of systems meant to protect society. His life ended as chaotically as it was lived, leaving behind a legacy of pain and unanswered questions.
Sources
No Recent News
No recent news articles found for this case. Check back later for updates.
No Evidence Submitted
No evidence found for this case. Be the first to submit evidence in the comments below.
Join the discussion
Loading comments...
First Murders
Roberto Arguelles begins a series of murders in West Valley City, Utah.
Teenagers Disappear
16-year-old Lisa Martinez and 15-year-old Tuesday Roberts vanish while walking to the mall.
Arrest for Molestation
Roberto Arguelles is arrested for molesting two children posing as a security guard.
Confession to Murders
Arguelles confesses to the murders of Lisa Martinez and Tuesday Roberts, leading police to their graves.
Additional Confessions
Arguelles confesses to two more murders: Margo Bond and Stephanie Blundell.
Trial Begins
Roberto Arguelles' trial begins; he announces intention to plead guilty and seeks death penalty.
Sentenced to Death
Arguelles is sentenced to death for the four murders, choosing firing squad as method.
Death in Prison
Roberto Arguelles dies from bowel obstruction while on death row.