Man accused of killing two Utah officers ordered to stand trial
Judge Spencer D. Walsh ordered Ryan Michael Bate to stand trial on 18 counts, including capital aggravated murder for the killings of officers Eric Estrada and Lee Sorensen.
In a courtroom on Thursday, First District Judge Spencer D. Walsh bound Ryan Michael Bate, 33, over 18 charges stemming from a violent episode on Aug. 17, 2025, that left Tremonton-Garland police officers Eric Estrada, 32, and Sgt. Lee Sorensen, 56, dead. Bate also injured Box Elder County deputy Mike Allred and his 3-year-old Belgian Malinois, Azula. Prosecutors, led by Blair T. Wardle, presented audio recordings from Bate's wife showing explicit threats to kill responding officers, arguing the act was a premeditated ambush.
The defense, headed by Jonathan Nish, contended that much of the case relies on hearsay and that some alleged intent cannot be proven beyond reasonable doubt. While several charges were reduced, Bate remains charged with two counts of aggravated murder, a capital offense, and multiple felony and misdemeanor counts. The defense seeks a later trial date, whereas prosecutors want to proceed promptly; a status conference is set for Oct. 20.
Why it matters
The case involves a death-penalty trial for the murder of two police officers, highlighting issues of domestic violence and attacks on law enforcement.
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