This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2011, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.
A Utah State Prison inmate died of "massive internal bleeding" after being attacked by his cellmate, according to court documents.
Alfonso Lopez, 27, was found lying on the floor of his cell, his face swollen and bleeding last month.
The man's cellmate, 23-year-old Jacob Paul Ecker, told police he "let loose" on Lopez during an April 27 fight, according to charges filed in 3rd District Court. Ecker hit and kicked Lopez in the face and stomach several times and then "stomped him out" to make sure the man would not get up, the charges state.
A medical examiner found Lopez had a number of injuries, including a collapsed lung and a lacerated heart.
Ecker told police "that he is sadistic and enjoyed seeing Lopez hurt," according to the charges.
He is charged with one count of first-degree felony murder, which is punishable by up to life in prison.
Ecker is a documented member of the Juggalos, fans of the Insane Clown Posse rap group who are classified as a gang by Utah law enforcement.
He is serving up to five years in prison for possession of a dangerous weapon by a restricted person, attempted aggravated assault, attempted kidnapping and riot. Police found a hatchet in Ecker's backpack after he threatened a man's life at the Salt Lake City Main Library in March 2010.
In May 2009, Ecker hit a man and stole his wallet at a Salt Lake City park, telling the man, "Today is the day that you die," according to court documents.