Suspect Arrested in Fatal Murray Hit-and-Run; Labeled as Habitual DUI Offender

(Image: CollisionCam)

MURRAY, Utah — Police have arrested a man they describe as a “habitual DUI offender” in connection with a deadly hit-and-run that occurred in July.

Nathan Michael Portillo, 24, was booked into the Salt Lake County Jail. According to court documents, he faces two counts of first-degree felony murder, along with charges of obstruction of justice, failure to remain at an accident scene, reckless driving, threat of violence, and driving with a suspended license.

The crash killed 53-year-old Kimberly Jean Jespersen, who was speaking with another driver after being hit while crossing the intersection of 4500 South and State Street. Investigators say Portillo’s truck approached at high speed, swerved to avoid the stopped car, and struck Jespersen. She was taken to the hospital but later died from her injuries.

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Police believe Portillo was “heavily intoxicated” at the time and had been driving from Magna with a passenger. The passenger told investigators that Portillo was driving recklessly, threatening to kill her, and that she jumped out of the moving vehicle to escape — sustaining minor injuries.

After the crash, Portillo allegedly tried to hide evidence by repairing the truck’s damaged front end and reportedly continued drinking heavily. Authorities say he even left the state briefly before being captured.

Investigators have requested that Portillo be held without bail pending his pretrial hearing.

If you or a loved one has been hurt by a drunk or reckless driver, Cockayne Law is here to fight for your justice.