Actress’s Son, 18, Dies After Being Attacked in Utah Club

Film actress Beverly Todd’s 18-year-old son, who was beaten into unconsciousness at a suburban Utah nightclub, died Monday night from brain injuries suffered in the attack, police said.

Malik Smith, who had gone to Salt Lake City for an annual skiing vacation, died at a local hospital two days after he was assaulted in a teen disco in the Salt Lake City suburb of West Valley City, said West Valley City Police Sgt. Thayle Nielsen.

John Tavo Leota, 18, was arrested Monday night and held without bail at Salt Lake County Jail on suspicion of second-degree homicide, said Nielsen. He added that the suspect has a juvenile record and is known for fighting.

“The real tragedy is the suspect just went around and picked fights and this guy (Smith) just happened to be the target,” said Nielsen. “It was an unprovoked attack.”