BOX ELDER COUNTY — Prosecutors are seeking the death penalty for the Tremonton man accused of shooting and killing two police officers during a domestic disturbance call Sunday night.
According to court records, the Box Elder County Attorney’s Office filed charges and a notice of intent to seek the death penalty Wednesday against 30-year-old Ryan Michael Bate. He is charged with two counts of aggravated murder, a capital offense, and four counts of attempted aggravated murder.
According to charging documents, Bate’s wife called and hung up on 911 in an attempt to get police to the home after he allegedly assaulted her. Police report the suspect had slammed the woman’s head into a door frame.
An officer who initially responded was shot at as he drove away from the scene. The officer parked his car to call for backup, and as he returned to the home, charges say Bate shot and killed him with a high-powered rifle. A second officer was killed as he rushed to help his colleague.
Charges say Bate also shot at a third officer, Deputy Mike Allred, and his K-9, Azula, causing injuries to both. He also allegedly fired at a neighbor’s vehicle, “barely missing the driver.” According to the charges, Bate then approached the two fallen officers with a revolver and a rifle before he was taken into custody.
According to the affidavit of probable cause, Bate was apprehended by police. Investigators recovered the rifle and spent casings at the residence.
In addition to the murder charges, Bate is also charged with three counts of possessing an explosive and several misdemeanors, including domestic violence in the presence of a child. The prosecutor’s office has also refiled a separate domestic violence case that was previously dismissed.
No hearings are currently scheduled for Bate.
Individuals arrested and charged in complaints are presumed innocent unless or until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in court.