A Kearns woman has been arrested and charged with murder after a man was found dead on a sidewalk in a West Valley City neighborhood.

Police say the victim had suffered a fatal stab wound.

The arrest followed the discovery of the body early Thursday morning in a residential area. Authorities identified the suspect as 39-year-old Fabiola Lara, who lives in Kearns.

Police said the victim was 45-year-old Jose Humberto Alvarado. Court documents describe Lara as Alvarado’s girlfriend at the time of the incident.

According to the West Valley City Police Department, a neighbor made the initial discovery. The neighbor was walking near 3900 South and 4500 West at approximately 7:30 a.m.

Police said the body was found lying on a neighborhood sidewalk. Officers responded to the scene shortly after the report was made.

Investigators later followed a trail of blood from the sidewalk. Court documents state the blood trail led back to a nearby home where the stabbing allegedly occurred.

Events leading up to the stabbing

Court records show that earlier that night, Lara and Alvarado attended a party together. The party took place at a home on Atlas Way.

At approximately 1:30 a.m., police were called to that address. Officers responded after receiving a report involving Alvarado and a minor.

According to police, Alvarado was caught removing the leggings of Lara’s 11-year-old daughter. Officers arrived to investigate the report.

By the time police arrived, Alvarado had already fled the area. Officers were unable to locate him at that time.

Investigators believe that before Alvarado left the home, a confrontation occurred outside. Court documents say Lara and Alvarado argued in front of the residence.

Police suspect Lara stabbed Alvarado during that confrontation. Detectives noted the stabbing was captured by home surveillance cameras.

The surveillance footage reportedly shows the stabbing taking place. It also shows Alvarado leaving the home on foot afterward.

After leaving the scene, Alvarado walked away from the residence. Police said he later collapsed on Thayn Drive.

Investigators believe Alvarado died from his injuries shortly after leaving the home. His body was later discovered several hours later by a neighbor.

Community reaction after body discovered

The body was found outside the home of Sylvia Feleti and her family. Feleti said her family has lived in the neighborhood for about 20 years.

She said the family woke up to an unfamiliar and shocking situation that morning. Feleti said nothing like this had happened in their area before.

Alvarado’s body was found directly outside their fence. Feleti said police informed them after the discovery was made.

“They just told us it was on the side of our fence, there was a body,” Feleti said. She said police also asked about home surveillance footage.

Feleti told officers her family does not have security cameras. She said they never felt the need to install cameras previously.

“We never felt like we had to have cameras, because nothing has ever happened,” she said. Feleti described the situation as overwhelming.

“It was crazy,” she said. Feleti added that violent incidents often feel distant until they happen nearby.

“You see a lot of things happening on the news, but you never think that it would so close to home,” she said.

Investigation continues

Lara was taken into custody and booked on a murder charge. Court records outline the sequence of events leading up to Alvarado’s death.

Police have not released additional details about Lara’s court appearance. The investigation remains ongoing.

Authorities have not said whether additional charges could be filed. Police continue reviewing surveillance footage and witness statements.