Overview

• Box Elder County prosecutors filed a notice in Utah’s 1st District Court to pursue capital punishment against Ryan Michael Bate.
• Bate faces two aggravated murder counts plus 18 other charges, including attempted aggravated murder, possession of incendiary devices, assault, unlawful detention, threats of violence, weapons offenses, and domestic violence in the presence of a child.
• Charging documents say Sgt. Lee Sorensen and Officer Eric Estrada were fatally shot after responding to a domestic call, and Deputy Mike Allred and K‑9 Azula were injured before bystanders persuaded Bate to surrender.
• Investigators reported finding three Molotov cocktails inside the home, according to the probable‑cause statement.
• Court records show a 2021 domestic‑violence plea, and prosecutors refiled a dismissed 2024 domestic case; public services next week will honor the fallen officers.