Student stabbed to death
Salote Otutaha, an undeclared sophomore who was taking time off to work in Salt Lake City, died late Wednesday night of multiple stab wounds to the chest.
“Many students who come here have a loving supportive personality and have a great effect on people,” Everado Martinez-Inzunza, director of Multicultural Student Services, said. “It’s a tragic-event moment when we lose someone like that. We have to slow down and cherish those moments and thank the Lord for letting her touch our lives.”
According to an Associated Press article, Otutaha and the suspect argued at a party. Around 10:30 p.m., the suspect and three friends went to Otutaha’s apartment, which is at the same complex where the party was, and that was when the stabbing took place.
Ailine Tauteoli, 26, is suspected of the stabbing and is in the Salt Lake County jail pending charges of aggravated murder.
Martinez-Inzunza said Otutaha died in her sister’s arms.
He said Otutaha served as the president of the Polynesian Club when she was a sophomore.
“She took on the task of coordinating the university’s luau. Hundreds of people had the opportunity to have first-hand experience of the Polynesian Culture,” Martinez-Inzunza said.
“She shared her culture and touched more lives than realized,” he said.
Ryan Solomon, a junior in social work, said, “I knew her from the Polynesian Club. She was the sweetest girl and had the biggest smile that would light up your whole day.
“She was just a good girl, and was there to help anyone whether they were in the club or not,” he said.
Solomon said she was known by everyone for her poofy hair.
“She used to crack me up,” said Suzanne Johnson, staff assistant for Multicultural Student Services. “I remember she had beautiful eyes and a beautiful smile. It lit me up when she smiled.
“I loved her. She did a great job and was very dependable,” she said.
Johnson said funeral services would be decided as soon as the family from Hawaii, New Zealand and Tonga could gather.
Martinez-Inzunza said students are putting together a tribute for her to be presented next week at the funeral.
Jonathon Abebe, a senior in computer science, said everyone is encouraged to donate to a fund for her and there would be a place to donate at the free jazz concert on Feb. 15 or donations can be made at the Multicultural Student Center.