Criminal charges filed against man in death of Utah police officer

Derick Fox
·2 min read
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PROVO, Utah (ABC4) — Utah County Attorney Jeffrey Gray announced criminal charges filed against the man accused of hitting and killing Sgt. Bill Hooser, a Utah police officer, earlier this month.

Michael Aaron Jayne, 41, was formally charged with nine criminal offenses:

  • One count of aggravated murder, a capital felony

  • Two counts of attempted aggravated murder, each a first-degree felony

  • One count of aggravated kidnapping, a first-degree felony

  • One count of burglary, a second-degree felony

  • Three counts of automobile theft, each a second-degree felony

  • One count of failing to obey the lawful command of a police officer, a second-degree felony

RELATED: Utah says farewell to Sgt. Bill Hooser

Gray said aggravated murder is a capital offense and carries with it serious sentences, including the possibility of the death penalty. Jayne could also face life in prison without the possibility of parole or 25 years to life with the possibility of parole.

“The arrest and filing of information are merely the first steps in the criminal justice process,” said Gray. “Tomorrow at 3 p.m., Mr. Jayne will appear before a judge in the Fourth District Court to be informed of these charges.”

Gray emphasized that at this stage the charges are only allegations, including the allegations of his intent and conduct. Jayne is presumed innocent until and unless he is proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.

“At trial, it will be our burden to prove Mr. Jayne’s guilt beyond a reasonable and ultimately it will be for a jury to decide if we have met that burden,” said Gray. “I am assembling a team of my best attorneys to achieve that end.”

An investigation into the events on May 5 is still ongoing and Gray said more information would be released as it comes up in trial. He said the process would take months beginning with a preliminary hearing and, if needed, an arraignment and a trial.

Gray expressed his condolences to Sgt. Hooser’s wife and two daughters saying he prays that the family can find some peace and solace in these trying times.

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