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 the probable cause statement, Bate got into an argument with his wife and started to beat her up violently in front of three minors, slamming her head into a door frame.
The woman tried to calm him down, but each time he allegedly threatened to kill her.
At one point, she called dispatch but hung up — trying to get them to come over.
The first officer arrived, but, after being assured there was no physical violence, prepared to leave.
Bate allegedly retrieved a high-powered rifle and shot at the officer’s vehicle, barely missing it. The officer parked and called for backup.
At this point, the wife ran down the street, yelling that Bate had a gun.
The officer tried to cross the street to help her, but Bate allegedly shot and killed him.
The second officer arrived at the scene shortly after and found the first officer lying in the road.
He rushed to provide aid, but Bate allegedly fired another shot, hitting and killing him too.
Box Elder County Sheriff’s Deputy Mike Allred and his K-9, Azula, then arrived at the scene. Bate allegedly fired two more shots, injuring both.
A neighbor, driving a silver vehicle that resembled an unmarked police vehicle, then drove down the street.
Bate fired one shot and barely missed them.
The driver fled the scene.
Bate reportedly walked around the property with the rifle in his hand “as he continued to look for additional suspects,” according to the PC statement.
He was eventually subdued and taken into custody.
Sergeant Lee Sorensen and Officer Eric Estrada were identified as the fallen officers.
Prosecutors also chose to refile a previous domestic violence case against Bate that was dismissed without prejudice on August 27, 2024.
Bate has a history of domestic violence. He had been charged twice before with domestic violence-related assaults.
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.
Bate is scheduled to make an initial appearance on the charges on Friday, Aug. 22 at 9 a.m.
Individuals arrested and charged in complaints are presumed innocent unless or until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in court.