Suspect in Sgt. Hooser’s death charged in Utah County

PROVO, Utah — The suspect accused of killing Sgt. Bill Hooser has been formally charged. Utah County Attorney, Jeffrey S. Gray, spoke at a press conference this morning to detail the charges. He also said his office will seek the death penalty. 

Charges filed against suspect in Sgt. Hooser’s death

The Utah County Attorney’s office has now filed the following charges against Michael Aaron Jayne. 

• 1 count of aggravated murder
• 2 counts of attempted aggravated murder – For UHP attempted, and woman who was passenger. 
• 1 count of aggravated kidnapping.
• 1 count of burglary. 
• 3 counts of automobile theft. 
• 1 count of failing to obey the lawful command to stop

“By way of information, I would like to explain the most serious charge,” said Gray. “Aggravated murder is a capital offense. Under Utah law, a person convicted of aggravated murder may face one of three possible sentences: The death penalty, life in prison without the possibility of parole or 25 years to life in prison with the possibility of parole.”

Gray read the charges from a prepared statement and did not answer questions following the announcement. 

This is a breaking story and will be updated.

Related reading:

• Police: Suspect in Sgt. Bill Hooser killing held a woman against her will when pulled over
• Family of fallen Santaquin officer: ‘He died doing a job he loved’
• Slain Santaquin officer enjoyed ‘making a difference’ with police work