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SLCPD Provides Update on Homicide Case, Suspect Identified

SALT LAKE CITY — The Salt Lake City Police Department is requesting immediate assistance from community members to help locate 53-year-old Robert Boyatt who is accused of using his car to hit and kill a 61-year-old man.

To assist with this investigation, and because Boyatt is considered a wanted suspect in a homicide investigation, a photo of Boyatt is being released.

The victim is identified as Victor Hershberger.

On Tuesday, July 4, 2023, patrol officers and detectives with the Salt Lake City Police Department’s Homicide Squad safely located the car used in this alleged homicide.

Boyatt is approximately 5’ 9” tall, 180 pounds, bald, and has blue eyes.

Boyatt should be considered dangerous. Anyone who knows his location or who sees him should avoid contact and immediately call 9-1-1.

Detectives have determined Hershberger and Boyatt knew each other.

Detectives do not believe this was a random incident.

This investigation started at 1:15 a.m., on Monday, July 3, 2023, when SLC911 got a call about a crash involving a car and a person riding a scooter near 1020 West 1000 North.

Based on the preliminary information, detectives believe Boyatt intentionally hit Hershberger and left the scene without stopping or rendering first aid.

Hershberger died on scene.

The on-duty watch commander requested the help of the Crash Analysis Reconstruction (CAR) Team, homicide detectives, and the SLCPD’s Crime Lab technicians.

Detectives are urging Boyatt to come forward by calling 9-1-1 and turning himself in.

Anyone with information about this crash should call 801-799-3000 and reference case number 23-144525.

The CAR Team is a multi-jurisdictional crash team that investigates crashes involving serious physical injuries or death. Members of the CAR Team receive specialized training in collision examination, speed analysis, vehicle dynamics, occupant kinematics, scene photography, surveying equipment, crash scene mapping, evidence collection and computer aided drawing programs.

The CAR Team includes law enforcement from the Salt Lake City Police Department and several other Salt Lake Valley law enforcement agencies.

1 – An undated photo of Robert Boyatt, a suspect in a homicide investigation, is being released by the Salt Lake City Police Department (July 4, 2023).

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