PROVO, Utah — A man charged with capital murder in the death of a police officer from Santaquin is expressing serious concerns about his legal representation as his case progresses. Michael Aaron Jayne, 43, faces multiple charges, including aggravated murder, in connection with the May 5, 2024, incident that claimed the life of Santaquin Police Sgt. Bill Hooser.
During a court appearance on Wednesday, Jayne addressed Fourth District Judge Thomas Low, stating, “My life is at stake. I’m fighting for my life and I do have some serious concerns about my defense.” Jayne is accused of deliberately driving a semitruck toward Hooser, resulting in the officer’s death on a busy stretch of I-15.
According to court documents, Jayne’s encounter with police began when Hooser and a Utah Highway Patrol trooper pulled him over. As officers engaged with Jayne, a female passenger alerted them that she had been held against her will. Moments later, as police prepared to detain him, Jayne fled the scene in his vehicle, executed a U-turn, and accelerated directly into the officers and the woman, fatally striking Hooser.
After fleeing on foot and using stolen vehicles, Jayne was apprehended near Vernal. The case has drawn significant attention, especially given the potential for the death penalty, which brings heightened stakes for the accused. Under Utah law, a defendant facing such serious charges is entitled to two attorneys certified in death penalty cases.
Jayne’s primary attorney, Rudy Bautista, had been assigned to the case for nearly a year. However, he noted that the Utah County Public Defender’s Office had limited resources and not enough certified attorneys available. Despite Jayne’s attempts to secure a second attorney, some of his requests were deemed unfeasible.
In the latest hearing, Judge Low allowed Jayne’s written petition to remove a second attorney from his case and indicated he would consider Jayne’s request for a private session regarding his concerns with current legal counsel. Jayne expressed that discussing sensitive issues in front of prosecuting attorneys created barriers to clear communication.
Bautista recommended that Jayne file a motion to delay the upcoming preliminary hearing scheduled for June 30 and July 1, in light of possible complications arising from his dissatisfaction with his representation. The preliminary hearing will determine whether there is sufficient evidence for the case to proceed to trial.
Deputy Utah County Attorney Chad Grunander acknowledged the complexity of the case and raised doubts about adding another attorney at such a late stage. He emphasized the necessity of conducting the proceedings with precision, especially when the death penalty is a potential outcome.
Following the hearing, Judge Low committed to reviewing Jayne’s concerns and indicated he would communicate his findings in writing to clarify options available for addressing the issues presented. The matter will continue to unfold as the preliminary hearing approaches, with the potential for significant implications for all parties involved.