The preliminary hearing of The State of Utah vs. Greg Kyle DeBoer was held recently at the Wasatch County Courthouse.
It’s hard to overstate the impact this violent road rage incident has had on our community. With video of the event widely available online, I have yet to meet anyone who isn’t stunned that the only charge filed against Mr. DeBoer was a second-degree felony for obstruction of justice — later reduced through a plea offer to a third-degree charge.
This outcome raises serious concerns about whether our justice system lacks the will or the ability to pursue more appropriate charges, such as manslaughter or assault with a deadly weapon.
I’ve attended most of the hearings and followed the case closely. After observing the preliminary hearing, I was left discouraged. Prosecutor McKay King, despite having over six months to prepare, delivered an uninspired presentation. His questioning failed to build a persuasive argument for why a trial is necessary. His poor performance could result in all charges being dropped against DeBoer.
Think about that. A man who followed, assaulted and killed a man could walk free because Wasatch County officials are afraid to take him to trial for the killing.
If County Attorney Scott Sweat and Mr. King do not feel equipped to handle this case — or to pursue charges that match the severity of the incident — then it should be transferred to a jurisdiction with greater prosecutorial capacity.
This case sets a critical precedent for public safety. If our justice system cannot or will not hold someone accountable for aggressively pursuing, assaulting and admittedly killing another driver — then hiding the weapon used — what message does that send? It tells the public that such violence comes without real consequences.
We deserve better. Our safety depends on it.
Mike Stevens
Park City