All five suspects in Heber City double stabbing case now in custody

Photo: Heber City Police Department

HEBER CITY, Utah — All five suspects connected with a double stabbing during a private quinceañera in Heber City on Sunday are in custody, according to the most recent update from the Heber City Police Department. The attack, which occurred July 20 at The Junction restaurant, left two men hospitalized. One of the victims was treated and released, while the other was hospitalized with life-threatening stab wounds, though police now report he is in stable condition. The attack prompted a major investigation by the Heber City Police Department.

Surveillance footage identified four of the five suspects as Jose Manuel Gervacio, Cristian Gervacio, David Gervacio, and Johnny Gervacio. Johnny, David, and Christian were all arrested at their residence on Monday.

Inside the residence, officers recovered a $5 bill containing a substance that field-tested positive for methamphetamine, clothing worn during the assault, suspected blood evidence in a vehicle, and identifying documents.

Following the public release of suspect photos, the department received an anonymous tip identifying the previously unknown fifth suspect as Justin Joel Ortiz. The evening of July 22, Ortiz voluntarily walked into the Wasatch County Sheriff’s Office and asked to speak with law enforcement. He was arrested without incident and booked into the Wasatch County Jail.

Later that evening, at approximately 11:40 p.m., Jose Manuel Gervacio, who was the subject of an active warrant for Attempted Murder, Aggravated Burglary, and Aggravated Assault, voluntarily surrendered to authorities. He was taken into custody by Heber City Police officers and booked into the Wasatch County Jail, concluding a three-day search.

Heber City Police Department confirmed that this is an ongoing investigation and have not released any information at this time about motive for the attack.