Police Department

News Release- May 6, 2016

Contact: Officer Tanya Turnbow, Public Information Officer
(435)496-0514
tturnbow@tooelecity.org
www.tooelecity.org

Man Arrested in Connection with 2011 Murder of

Evelynne Derricott
On 05/06/16 at approximately 07:30, Tooele City Police Detectives with assistance from local
law enforcement agencies, arrested 23 year old Rogelio Diaz, Jr. in connection with the 2011
murder of Evelynne Derricott. Mr. Diaz was arrested near his home in the West Valley City
area (3800 S 2700 W), without incident. He is currently being held in the Tooele County Jail.
We do not believe that there are any additional suspects at this time.
Evelynne Derricott was a 69 year old widow who lived alone in her Tooele home (410 W
Havasu St). She was a mother and grandmother. She had a small, close circle of friends
and on October 7th, 2011, Ms. Derricott was found dead in her home. Her death was
officially ruled a homicide by the Utah Office of the Medical Examiner.
Ms. Derricotts vehicle and her cell phone were missing from her home but days later the
vehicle and cell phone were located in Kearns, Utah (5800 S 5300 W). DNA evidence was
collected at her home during the initial investigation and also from her vehicle after it was
found.
Tooele City Police Detectives have worked closely with the Utah Department of Public Safety
Crime Laboratory since the initial evidence in this case was submitted. The Utah
Department of Public Safety Crime Laboratory took the DNA evidence provided, and using
software, generated a DNA profile that provided an important lead in this case.
Combining the significant amount of physical evidence along with the DNA profile provided
by the Utah Department of Public Safety Crime Lab, we identified a suspect, Rogelio Diaz, Jr.
Approximately two weeks ago, a DNA sample from the Mr. Diaz was recovered and matched
the DNA evidence obtained in this case.
This case has remained an active investigation for almost five years. At no time has it been
considered a cold case. A considerable amount of resources have been devoted to
investigating this case and detectives have spent countless hours developing and following
any possible leads. Numerous law enforcement agencies have assisted in the investigation
and it has remained a combined law enforcement effort.
This investigation has been a complicated process and we have taken the most careful path
to obtain the best evidence. We are confident in our investigation and believe the case that
we are now sending to the Tooele County Attorney is solid.- Chief Ron Kirby
Ms. Derricotts family has been notified of todays arrest and they have requested that their
privacy be respected.
At this time in our investigation, we believe that Ms. Derricott encountered Mr. Diaz while he
was burglarizing her home. During that encounter, Mr. Diaz took Ms. Derricotts life.
323 N. Main St. | Tooele, Utah 84074
(Phone) 435-882-8900 | (fax) 435-882-7777 | www.tooelecity.org

This investigation is still considered active.

Further questions regarding the DNA evidence should be directed to The Utah Department of
Public Safety Crime Laboratory. The contact for PIO inquiries is Marissa Villasenor (801-7938025). Questions regarding any charging details should be directed to the Tooele County
Attorneys Office.