Tooele Man Pleaded Guilty to Manslaughter
Richard Perales entered a guilty plea on August 31, 2026, for the 2022 death of James Stockmoe.
Updated on Sept. 19, 2026 in Violence
Richard Perales, 59, entered a guilty plea to manslaughter on August 31, 2026, regarding the death of 60-year-old James Stockmoe. Stockmoe was found with fatal injuries on November 17, 2022, following an apartment altercation in Tooele.
Why it matters
The plea deal resolves a murder charge against Perales in connection with a 2022 domestic dispute. This outcome concludes a multi-year legal process involving multiple assault and obstruction charges.
Perales pleaded guilty to one count of manslaughter, two counts of assault, and six counts of obstructing justice. He is currently awaiting a sentencing hearing scheduled for December 10, 2026.
The players
Richard Perales
He is the 59-year-old defendant who pleaded guilty to manslaughter and other charges related to a domestic death.
James Stockmoe
He was the 60-year-old victim who died from injuries sustained during an incident in 2022.
The details
Perales admitted to backhanding Stockmoe during an argument about his mother, causing injuries to his eye and cheek while a minor child was present in the upstairs apartment. He also confessed to providing six false statements to police during the subsequent investigation.
Timeline
November 17, 2022: James Stockmoe was found deceased with injuries.
August 31, 2026: Richard Perales entered a guilty plea.
December 10, 2026: Perales is scheduled for sentencing.
Legal Context
This case aligns with the standard application of Utah Code 76-5-205, which governs how prosecutors weigh the reduction of charges in domestic violence-related homicide cases. The plea deal reflects a broader trend of utilizing negotiation to secure convictions in cases where multiple obstruction charges complicate the evidentiary record.
The resolution of this case brings closure to a years-long investigation into a fatal incident that occurred within a local residential area. Residents can expect the legal proceedings to conclude following the upcoming December sentencing date.
The takeaway
This case underscores the severe legal consequences of domestic altercations and the subsequent impact of obstructing a police investigation. It also highlights the reality that legal resolution can take years to conclude after a fatal incident occurs.
What happens next
Richard Perales is scheduled to appear for a sentencing hearing on December 10, 2026, where the court will consider the recommended 15-year prison sentence.
Further reading
Learn more about local public safety and criminal justice developments in Tooele.
Source note: This article includes information reported by KSL.
