Jeremy Pulver: Utah man kills dad with hatchet, puts baking soda into his mouth to ‘ensure he was dead’

Warning: This article contains a recollection of crime and can be triggering to some, readers’ discretion advised.

WEST VALLEY CITY, UTAH: A man from Utah was arrested on the night of April 26 after he confessed to using a hatchet to fatally beat his father, John Pulver, according to West Valley City Police.

Jeremy Ross Pulver, aged 46, has been detained in Salt Lake County Jail. He is facing a first-degree felony charge of murder, as per CrimeOnline.

Witness reports incident to police

As per ABC4, a witness contacted the police around 11 am on April 26 to report an incident involving Jeremy Ross Pulver. Jeremy had allegedly killed his father John Pulver at their residence. Jeremy then fled the area after committing the alleged murder.

The witness claimed to have obtained this information directly from Jeremy, whom she encountered as he was leaving the crime scene.

The witness remained at the scene until the authorities arrived. 

Upon their arrival, officers found John dead in the bedroom of his home, with what appeared to be head trauma. The witness informed the officers that Jeremy had "beat John to death and filled his mouth with baking soda to ensure he was dead after", as per the statement of probable cause.

Jeremy Pulver confesses to killing his father

Jeremy was located shortly afterward and taken to the West Valley City Police Department for interrogation. 

During questioning, Jeremy allegedly confessed that he had visited John's house two days prior to the incident. According to the statement, Jeremy claimed that during those two days, John expressed a desire to die due "to his elderly condition" and requested Jeremy to end his life.

Jeremy admitted to harboring similar intentions toward John. 

According to the affidavit, "Jeremy said he worked up the confidence to kill John, and early this morning he went to John’s room. When he entered John’s room, he found John lying in bed. Jeremy said he was ready to kill John."

Jeremy Pulver’s initial attempts to kill father were unsuccessful

During the questioning, Jeremy further elaborated to the police about his initial failed attempts to kill his father, which he claimed were unexpectedly met with resistance. 

According to the affidavit, Jeremy stated that his father "fought back harder than [Jeremy] ever would’ve expected," and expressed concern that his father would overpower him in self-defense if he didn't act swiftly. 

Subsequently, Jeremy admitted to using a hatchet to strike his father in the head repeatedly. 

He also informed the authorities that he placed baking soda, known scientifically as sodium bicarbonate, into his father's mouth as he "learned this was a good method to ensure someone was dead". 

The evidence found at the crime scene was reportedly consistent with Jeremy's account. 

Additionally, Clearfield Police are investigating an incident involving Jeremy allegedly brandishing a firearm at a member of the public during a dispute the day before.