SALT LAKE CITY — The family of Patrick Hayes is seeking justice following a fatal road rage incident in September 2024 near Jordanelle State Park. Hayes was shot and killed by 63-year-old Greg Kyle DeBoer, who has not been charged with homicide, prompting outrage from Hayes’ relatives.
Summit County prosecutors declined to file charges against DeBoer, citing a strong case for self-defense. Wasatch County Attorney Scott Sweat stood by the decision, suggesting that prosecutorial discretion was misused. However, Hayes’ family is calling for an independent investigation into the case, expressing disbelief over the lack of charges and the handling of the situation.
Jim Bradshaw, representing Hayes’ family, voiced frustration, emphasizing that there is video evidence documenting the confrontation between Hayes and DeBoer. The footage reveals Hayes yelling at DeBoer just before he was shot in the chest, with DeBoer leaving the scene without notifying authorities.
Currently, DeBoer faces a charge of obstruction of justice for allegedly burying the gun used in the shooting. His defense attorney, Andrew Deesing, argues that the situation does not legally qualify as murder since no homicide charges have been filed. In the eyes of Hayes’ relatives, the case has been poorly managed and warrants further examination.
Sue Ann Kern, Hayes’ fiancée, expressed concern over the prosecutorial decision, stating the case needs to be reevaluated. Jeanne Hayes, the victim’s sister-in-law, described a conversation with prosecutors as deeply disappointing, as they suggested a lack of solid evidence despite their extensive findings.
Despite multiple inquiries to discuss the case, the Wasatch County Attorney’s Office has not granted interviews. Instead, they provided a formal statement outlining their rationale for not pursuing homicide charges, claiming evidence supports DeBoer’s self-defense argument. This statement detailed DeBoer’s account of the shooting, asserting that he felt endangered when Hayes allegedly approached his vehicle in an aggressive manner.
Nevertheless, questions remain about DeBoer’s choice to confront Hayes rather than drive away, raising doubts about the self-defense claim. Family members argue that by continuing to follow Hayes, DeBoer invited the confrontation, contradicting the criteria for self-defense under Utah law. They assert that both men engaged in aggressive driving, making it impossible for DeBoer to claim he acted solely in self-defense.
Erin Hayes, Patrick’s niece, expressed the family’s grief and desire for accountability. “Justice needs to be served,” she said. The family worries that the current legal system may be shielding DeBoer from accountability for his actions, which they deem reckless and unjustified.
The Wasatch County Attorney’s Office has indicated that they consulted with other prosecutors regarding their decision. However, they have not disclosed the identities of those consulted. The office remains open to revisiting the case should new evidence emerge. DeBoer’s next court appearance is scheduled for January, as the Hayes family continues to seek answers and justice for Patrick.