By John J. Bryant
The son of a murdered Sandy woman was arrested and charged in connection with her slaying late Wednesday, June 28.
Sandy Police Sergeant Kevin Thacker said police reported to an anonymous phone call from a neighbor of 49-year-old Edith Baruque at 7:30 a.m. Wednesday, June 28. Upon arrival at her residence, police found Baruque’s body, Thacker said.
A medical examiner’s report found strangulation marks on her body. Thacker said there were no signs of forced entry or burglary in the house, so police turned the investigation toward people Baruque knew.
The investigation led to Baruque’s 26-year-old son, Farid Baraque, of South Jordan. He was arrested late Wednesday after invoking his Miranda Rights and requesting an attorney during police questioning.
The mother and son apparently argued, escalating into something more violent, Thacker said.
This isn’t the first time calamity has struck the Baraques’ residence.
In 1997 Edith’s husband died of a gunshot wound after an argument with Farid. The police ruled that case as a suicide.
In 1998 the residence was burned to the ground. It has since been rebuilt and served as a day-care center run by Edith.
Thacker said there will now be investigations to see if all three incidents are related.
Baruque’s bail will be set Thursday, June 29 or Friday, June 30. The Sandy Police will present their case to the District Attorney by Monday, July 3, Thacker said.
