October 6, 2025

Media Contact Information

PolicePIO@slc.gov

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SLCPD Detectives Arrest 54-Year-Old Man for Murder

SALT LAKE CITY —  Detectives with the Salt Lake City Police Department’s Homicide Squad safely arrested a 54-year-old man for murder following a suspicious death investigation in the Poplar Grove Neighborhood.

This investigation started at 11:21 p.m., on Sunday, October 5, 2025, when officers from the Pioneer Patrol Division responded to 1990 W North Temple St to assist Salt Lake City Fire on a death investigation.

Officers arrived and found 59-year-old victim, Timothy Ruthenberg, dead inside his apartment.

The state medical examiner’s office later determined Ruthenberg’s death a homicide.

Detectives from SLCPD’s Homicide Squad tracked and located Ruthenberg’s roommate, Michael Bynum, at the Salt Lake City Library after discovering he was the last person seen leaving Ruthenberg’s apartment.

Upon further investigation, detectives arrested Bynum for murder and booked him into the Salt Lake County Jail.

Charges are only allegations, and every arrested person is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.

The information contained in this news release is based on a preliminary review of the details available to the Salt Lake City Police Department. As the investigation progresses, information may change.

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