CEDAR CITY – The victim involved in an attempted murder case out of Cedar City has passed away according to a statement from police.
Bryan Mahue Mellor, 59, was found severely injured by Cedar City Police officers after they responded to a call reporting an assault in progress around 8:12 a.m., Wednesday in the area of 468 South and 75 West in Cedar City. Among his injuries police noted a large laceration on his head.
On arrival, the police also encountered Brandon Thomas Sappington, 30, who appeared to have blood on his hands. They then found Mellor on the sidewalk nearby.
Sappington placed one hand into a pocket as he approached the officers and refused to remove his hand from his pocket and continued toward the officer after being told to stop. Police arrested Sappington on scene. Once taken into custody, Sappington tried to kick and head-butt the officers while in handcuffs, Cedar City Sgt. Jimmy Roden said.
EMS personnel transported Mellor to Valley View Medical Center in Cedar City. He was later airlifted to University Medical Center in Las Vegas in critical condition.
University Medical Center officials informed Cedar City Police that Mellor passed away Saturday afternoon.
Based upon eyewitness testimony as well as physical evidence, police believe Sappington repeatedly kicked and stomped Mellor while he was on the sidewalk, Roden said. The motive for the assault on Mellor is unknown, but the two were reportedly acquaintances.
Sappington was originally booked into the Iron County Correctional Facility on charges of attempted murder, assault on a police officer, interference with an arrest, and a misdemeanor traffic warrant.
With Mellor’s passing, Roden said additional or amended criminal charges may be filed against Sappington by the Iron County Attorney’s Office.
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Bryan was a gentle man. He was kind and nonviolent. I know he was not capable of defending himself. If hell exists, this murdering savage has made a reservation. Rest in peace Bryan.
Here comes the “insanity” defense… Our judicial system sucks and now I have to pay for this murderer to life the comfy life…
Here Come the Accusers!
Bold, and Dignified
Self Righteous with pride.
Hiding his face behind a Lie
He who is without Sin,
Cast The First Stone
Make your mark known,
Rest peacefully in your home
Justice will be served,
Vengeance isn’t your own.