Matthew Sorber-Petrie, 23, has been partially bound over for trial in connection with the January shooting death of 17-year-old KayLee Dutton. During a preliminary hearing in Cedar City, 5th District Judge Meb Anderson ordered that Sorber-Petrie be bound over on six charges, while deciding later on eight remaining first-degree felony counts.
The six counts for which Sorber-Petrie was bound over include one count of obstruction of justice, three counts of transferring a firearm to a restricted person, and two misdemeanor drug possession counts. The remaining eight counts include one count of murder and seven counts of felony discharge of a firearm causing bodily injury. Judge Anderson stated he would address the remaining matters through a written ruling regarding accomplice liability.
During the 90-minute hearing, a 10-minute audio clip of a 911 call was played. The recording featured a passenger in Dutton's truck describing being pursued and shot at near Three Peaks. Iron County Sheriff's Sgt. Brandon Kennedy testified that the investigation, which began after the pursuit of Dutton's vehicle, led officers to a townhome complex off Lund Highway.
Kennedy testified that Sorber-Petrie admitted to supplying the firearms used by his roommates, including an AR-15 platform rifle. Kennedy also noted that Sorber-Petrie was carrying a .22 caliber handgun in his jacket pocket when he was arrested at his place of work in downtown Cedar City.
Sorber-Petrie's next court appearance is scheduled as an arraignment for Sept. 30. His three roommates have previously entered guilty pleas in related cases: Ethan Galloway and Michael Hess-Witucki, both of whom admitted to involvement in the shooting, and Aldric Felipe, who was sentenced to 36 months of probation.
