Utah massage therapist found dead after being 'brutally attacked and stabbed'

MIDVALE, Utah (TCD) -- Police are searching for a suspect or suspects after a 45-year-old woman was found stabbed to death in a massage parlor where she worked in what officials are calling a "brutal homicide."

On Jan. 4, Unified Police Department officers were called to 7444 S. State St. regarding a suspicious death and found a woman deceased from a "brutal and tragic homicide." KUTV-TV reports police identified the victim as Yuping Jiao, a massage therapist at A+ Massage.

KUTV, which cites a Unified Police Department press release, reports Jiao had been "brutally attacked and stabbed multiple times" most likely between 1 p.m. and 7 p.m. on Jan. 4. Police called the stabbing "heinous" and "deeply concerning."

Jiao was reportedly working alone at the massage parlor when she was killed.

KSTU-TV reports police identified some persons of interest, but no arrests have been made.

Unified Police reportedly said in a statement, "In light of this disturbing incident, we urge individuals working in similar occupations to exercise extreme caution when dealing with clients and report any suspicious interactions, whether past or current, to the local authorities."

A motive for the stabbing remains unknown.

MORE:

• Update on UPD Homicide in Midvale - Unified Police Department
• Midvale massage parlor murder details released; victim stabbed multiple times - KUTV
• Cause of death revealed, police urge caution after massage spa homicide - KSTU