Police Officers Disciplined for Using Utility Knife on Dead Homeless Man’s Body, as Bodycam Footage Shows Them Laughing

Salt Lake City Police Officers Face Disciplinary Action for Misusing Utility Knife on Deceased Homeless Man’s Body

Salt Lake City police officers are under scrutiny after body camera footage revealed their inappropriate handling of a deceased homeless man using a utility knife. The incident, which took place in August 2024, recently came to light when the Salt Lake City Police Department (SLCPD) released the disturbing footage involving the body of 47-year-old Jason Lloyd, whose death was deemed “non-suspicious” by authorities.

According to a press release from the SLCPD, officers responded to a tent near Brooklyn Street and Washington Avenue for a death investigation. The internal investigation found that an officer-in-training was provided with a utility knife by an Office of the Medical Examiner (OME) contractor to cut blisters on Lloyd’s arm, with OME’s authorization. Shockingly, the bodycam footage captured the contractor joking about performing “controlled popping” on the body before handing the knife to the officer-in-training.

In the video, officers can be heard laughing at the disturbing scene, leading to public outrage over their unprofessional behavior. Local media identified the officer-in-training as Dakota Smigel, alongside Officers Mark Keep, Paul Mullenax, and Michelle Peterson, who were also involved in the incident. It was reported that the officers instructed Smigel not to mention the knife in his report, highlighting a deliberate attempt to cover up their actions.

Salt Lake City Police Chief Mike Brown condemned the officers’ conduct, stating that it was “unprofessional, discourteous, disrespectful, and offensive.” He extended his condolences to Lloyd’s family, emphasizing the importance of treating every individual with dignity and respect, especially in death investigations. Brown acknowledged the failure to uphold the department’s core values and pledged to prevent such incidents in the future.

As a result of the disciplinary process, Keep resigned while Mullenax received a three-day suspension and Peterson a warning for violating department policies. Three other employees were cleared of misconduct, with disciplinary actions ranging from a formal warning to unpaid suspension. Despite calls for criminal charges, the Salt Lake County District Attorney’s Office decided not to pursue legal action against the officers involved.

For Lloyd’s family, the release of the footage added to their pain and frustration over the mistreatment of their loved one after his passing. Heather Fisher, Lloyd’s sister, expressed her dismay at seeing her brother being disrespected on the bodycam video, robbing them of closure and compounding their grief. She emphasised that despite his homelessness, Lloyd was cherished by his family and deserved better treatment in death.

The incident has sparked a conversation about police accountability and the treatment of vulnerable populations by law enforcement. It serves as a reminder of the need for transparency, oversight, and compassion in handling sensitive situations, especially involving the deceased. The SLCPD’s response to this incident will be crucial in rebuilding trust and ensuring that such misconduct is not repeated in the future.

In conclusion, the incident involving the misuse of a utility knife on a deceased homeless man’s body by Salt Lake City police officers has raised serious concerns about ethical standards and professionalism within the department. The disciplinary actions taken against the officers involved are a step towards accountability, but it is essential for law enforcement agencies to uphold the highest standards of integrity and respect in all aspects of their work.