PROVO, Utah — A man charged with capital murder in connection with the death of a Santaquin police officer expressed grave concerns regarding his legal representation during a court hearing on Wednesday. Michael Aaron Jayne, 43, from Garrett, Indiana, emphasized the seriousness of his situation, stating, “My life is at stake. I’m fighting for my life and I do have some serious concerns about my defense.”
Jayne faces nine felony charges, including aggravated murder, stemming from an incident on May 5, 2024, in which he allegedly drove a semitruck toward Sergeant Bill Hooser, killing him. The police were attempting to conduct a traffic stop when a female passenger informed the officers that she had been held against her will. Moments later, Jayne fled the scene, made a sudden U-turn, and struck Hooser, pinning him between the semi and another vehicle.
Judge Thomas Low of the Fourth District Court considered Jayne’s written request to dismiss a recently appointed attorney and allow a different legal representative to step in. The judge informed Jayne that he would need time to deliberate on the case and suggested that he could speak with him privately to address issues regarding his legal counsel.
Rudy Bautista, who has been assigned to represent Jayne for nearly a year, explained that the Utah County Public Defender’s Office was short on certified attorneys able to handle death penalty cases. Bautista mentioned that Jayne had made several requests for additional legal representation, but those requests were not practical, particularly for out-of-state counsel.
In cases where the death penalty is sought, defendants are entitled to two attorneys certified for such proceedings. Bautista indicated that attorney Brad Henderson, with whom he has collaborated in the past, could serve as a suitable co-counsel, despite the deputy prosecutor’s reservations about adding Henderson just weeks before a preliminary hearing set for June 30 and July 1.
The preliminary hearing will allow witnesses to testify, and it will be up to Judge Low to determine if enough evidence exists to proceed with a trial. Prosecutor Chad Grunander stressed the importance of thoroughness during this pivotal stage of the case, citing the complexities involved due to the potential for a death penalty sentence.
During the hearing, Jayne raised concerns about communicating effectively with his attorney, describing the situation as “very difficult.” He also expressed reluctance to discuss sensitive issues in front of the prosecution, indicating that he feared his concerns might not be properly conveyed through his attorneys.
While Judge Low acknowledged Jayne’s worries and committed to researching possible options to address them, he noted that Jayne’s preference for a private hearing to discuss attorney-related issues was atypical in criminal proceedings. Following the hearing, Bautista suggested that Jayne might consider filing a request to postpone the preliminary hearing time to ensure his legal concerns were adequately addressed.
As the case unfolds, a follow-up hearing will take place on June 11, during which the court will review the status of Jayne’s legal representation and determine whether any adjustments are necessary before the significant hearing in late June.