Obstruction charge in fatal Jordanelle road rage shooting headed to 2027 trial

Patrick Hayes was a well-loved man in his community and had a deep passion for swimming and water polo. Photo: TownLift // Marina Knight

WASATCH COUNTY, Utah — A January 2027 court date has been set for Greg Kyle DeBoer, who was charged with felony obstruction of justice in December 2024 after a road rage incident three months earlier in which he shot and killed Patrick Hayes near Jordanelle Reservoir and then drove home and buried the gun. DeBoer told investigators he fired in self-defense.

According to court filings and law enforcement accounts, DeBoer told investigators he first noticed Hayes driving erratically on SR-40 before both drivers engaged in aggressive driving. The encounter ended near the Ross Creek day-use area, where surveillance video shows Hayes exiting his vehicle and approaching DeBoer’s Jeep. A single gunshot is heard moments later.

Investigators later determined Hayes was carrying a polymer baton and a pocketknife at the time of the confrontation. DeBoer has said he believed Hayes was attempting to enter his vehicle to attack him, prompting him to fire from inside the Jeep.

Wasatch County prosecutors have said Utah law places the burden on the state to disprove self-defense beyond a reasonable doubt. Based on the available evidence, including video footage and DeBoer’s statements, they concluded they could not meet that standard.

The family of Patrick Hayes sharply criticized the Wasatch County Attorney’s Office for declining to file homicide charges, according to a November statement. They argue the confrontation was avoidable and that DeBoer escalated the situation. The family accused the Wasatch County Attorney’s Office of misapplying self-defense law and failing to pursue accountability.

During a 4th District Court pretrial conference Wednesday, Judge Jennifer Mabey scheduled a three-day trial for Jan. 11–13, 2027 on the obstruction charge. Attorneys said they are still determining whether the case will proceed to a jury trial or be resolved through other means before then.