American man of Utah sentenced to 35 years in prison for the gruesome murder of his girlfriend 

By Edward Era Barbacena 

A judge sentenced a man to prison Tuesday for the 2020 murder of his girlfriend and the attempted murder of a Salt Lake City police officer, according to a news release.

Michael Tyson Nance, who was found guilty in May for the murder of Natalie Thurber, was sentenced in 3rd District Court to 35 years to life in prison.

Nance received 25 years for a charge of aggravated murder, five years for a charge of attempted aggravated murder, and five years for a charge of felony discharge of a firearm with serious bodily injury. Judge Richard McKelvie ordered the sentences to run consecutively.

On Feb. 10, 2020, Nance and Natalie Thurber were arguing in their downtown apartment. When she tried to leave the home, Nance stood in front of the door and threatened her with a knife, the release said.

Natalie Thurber called 911 and left the line open, and dispatchers said a woman could be heard saying she was being held and that her boyfriend was trying to kill her, according to charging documents. She also texted a friend to call 911.

When an officer arrived at the home, he kicked in the bathroom window and saw Nance choking Natalie Thurber, according to charging documents.

The officer told Nance to let go, and he did, but then Nance fatally shot Natalie Thurber, the release said.

Nance then began shooting at officers, later admitting to police that he started firing his gun to kill one of the officers, the release said. One of the bullets fired by Nance struck an officer in the leg.

During the sentencing hearing, Nance addressed Natalie Thurber’s family and apologized for his actions, the release said. Natalie’s mother and sister also spoke about forgiveness for the defendant.

“Our office continues to mourn the death of Natalie Thurber,” said Salt Lake County District Attorney Sim Gill in a statement. “This was one of the most violent and callous actions committed by a defendant prosecuted by our office. The next 35 years are a minimum to the punishment his conduct deserves.”