A judge ruled that Ryan Michael Bate, a 33-year-old Tremonton man, must stand trial on 18 criminal charges related to the fatal shootings of two Tremonton-Garland police officers. First District Judge Spencer D. Walsh determined that sufficient evidence exists to bind Bate over on charges that include two counts of aggravated murder, a capital offense.
The charges stem from an incident on Aug. 17, 2025, involving a domestic violence call at Bate's residence. Prosecutors alleged that Bate ambushed responding law enforcement officers after terrorizing his family. The incident also resulted in injuries to Box Elder County Sheriff’s Deputy Mike Allred and his police K-9, Azula. Bate faces the death penalty for the deaths of Officer Eric Estrada, 32, and Sgt. Lee Sorensen, 56.
During the hearing, Chief Deputy Attorney Blair T. Wardle argued that Bate planned the attack and expressed a clear intent to kill to avoid arrest. Wardle cited audio recordings captured by Bate’s wife in which Bate threatened to murder law enforcement. Defense attorney Jonathan Nish argued that the prosecution's case relied on hearsay and investigative conjecture rather than eyewitnesses, suggesting Bate's initial shots were consistent with drunken bravado rather than a conscious intent to kill.
In addition to the two counts of aggravated murder, Bate faces charges of attempted aggravated murder, possession of explosives, endangering a police service dog, and multiple domestic violence charges. Judge Walsh noted that evidence for certain aggravating factors was insufficient and should be reconsidered.
A status conference is scheduled for Oct. 20. While the prosecution requested a trial to begin as soon as possible, the defense requested a trial date in late summer or early fall of next year to allow for preparation time. Individuals charged in complaints are presumed innocent until proven guilty in court.
