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Man arrested after allegedly punching a man who later died

The suspect says it was self defense.

Salt Lake City police have arrested a man for allegedly killing another man by punching him.

The alleged incident occurred at a homeless encampment on Rio Grande on May 17, according to a probable cause statement. Police say the two men were arguing when the suspect punched the victim in the face. The victim lost consciousness. He was taken to a hospital but died on May 21 from blunt force trauma.

Police interviewed the suspect on Friday. He said he hit the victim in self defense because the victim threatened him. The suspect said he didn’t mean to kill the victim.

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