A 23-year-old man from Bluffdale was arrested on suspicion of murder following a fatal stabbing that occurred outside a Springville home, according to a July 12, 2026, report from KUTV.
According to a probable cause affidavit cited by KUTV on July 12, 2026, the incident occurred when police responded to a residence at approximately 3:14 a.m. on Saturday, July 11, 2026. Officers arrived at the scene to find a victim inside the residence suffering from what appeared to be multiple stab wounds. The victim was taken to a hospital, where he later died from his injuries. A Gephardt Daily report from July 12, 2026, noted that the victim was 28 years old and was a recent acquaintance of the suspect.
Jaxson Clift, identified as the 23-year-old suspect, was booked into the Utah County Jail on several felony and misdemeanor charges. According to the July 12, 2026, KUTV report, the charges include murder, a first-degree felony; aggravated assault resulting in serious bodily injury, a second-degree felony; obstruction of justice, a second-degree felony; and criminal mischief, a third-degree felony. The Gephardt Daily report from July 12, 2026, further specified that Clift was arrested on an aggravated murder charge.
Investigators determined that the victim had been involved in a disagreement with another man. According to the July 12, 2026, KUTV report, the victim's girlfriend told officers that the victim went outside after receiving a text message, then returned to the home bleeding before collapsing. Investigators reviewed Ring doorbell footage that shows the victim leaving the home, becoming involved in a physical altercation with another individual, and then returning inside while bleeding.
Police examined the victim's cellphone and discovered a series of text messages exchanged with Clift in the hours leading up to the stabbing. According to the July 12, 2026, KUTV report, Clift allegedly sent the victim photographs of his home and vehicle and challenged him to meet. Specific messages attributed to Clift in the affidavit included, "why you scared," "pull back up," and "Pull up where I work you'll have more problems than me I promise you that." The victim allegedly replied, "That's ok I know where you work I'll see you soon" and "I'll see you soon." Clift also allegedly sent the victim his home address along with the message, "Mean anything to you?". Other messages attributed to Clift in the affidavit included, "Don't play for I'll have that whole place shut up. Feel bad for your mom's and your auntie," and "I'd leave it alone if I were you tryin to play an all that ****."
Surveillance video from a neighboring home appeared to show a person slashing the tires of vehicles outside the victim's residence. Investigators estimated the damage at approximately $1,800 and believe Clift was responsible, according to the July 12, 2026, KUTV report. The affidavit also states that officers have not recovered the knife believed to have been used in the stabbing and alleges Clift may have discarded, hidden, or cleaned the weapon. Additionally, a roommate told investigators that Clift returned home around 5 a.m. on July 11, 2026, appeared to wash his hands, and told the roommate to say he was not home if police arrived looking for him.
What this means for Springville
Springville residents encounter the aftermath of this incident through local law enforcement activity and judicial proceedings. As of July 12, 2026, investigators and the Utah County Major Crimes Unit have processed the scene and identified the suspect. The community remains impacted by the fatal nature of the altercation and the ongoing investigation into the specific details of the crime.
