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Dispute over a backpack leaves one man dead, another charged with homicide

A homeless man is facing a homicide charge after a man he punched in a dispute over a backpack died from his injuries.

Robert Walter Baker, 38, had been charged with homicide by assault, a third-degree felony, in Third District Court.

According to court documents, Baker confronted Delpatrick Longacre, 58, about a backpack on May 31. Witnesses told police that Baker punched Longacre, who fell and hit his head on the ground; Baker then ran away.

When Salt Lake Police arrived at the scene, 235 S. 500 West, at about 11:17 p.m., they found Longacre unconscious and struggling to breath.