Provo, Utah – A judge in 4th District on Monday ordered Kent Cody Barlow to stand trial for two counts of murder in the deaths of two Eagle Mountain toddlers playing in a horse corral. The tragic incident occurred when a car driven by Barlow veered off the road and crashed into Cedar Valley Stables on May 2, 2022.
The two 3-year-old boys, Odin Jeffrey Ratliff and Hunter Charlie Jackson, lost their lives in the accident. Barlow, 28, initially faced charges of manslaughter but the prosecution later upgraded the charges to murder. Judge Robert Lund ruled that Barlow should stand trial for two counts of depraved indifference murder and one count of possession of a controlled substance.
During the hearing, evidence was presented showing that Barlow was driving at an excessively high speed and ran a stop sign before crashing into the stables. Three passengers in the car with Barlow testified that they had urged him to slow down but he ignored their pleas. Data from one of the passenger’s phones revealed that Barlow had accelerated to 123 mph just before the crash.
The prosecution argued that Barlow’s actions met the requirements for depraved indifference murder, emphasizing his reckless behavior and disregard for the safety of others. It was also revealed that Barlow had consumed a large amount of methamphetamine before the crash, further exacerbating the risks posed by his driving.
Despite a motion filed by Barlow’s attorney to disqualify Judge Lund from the case, the trial is set to proceed. The defense claimed that the trial date set for September did not allow them enough time to prepare, suggesting bias from the judge. This is not the first time a motion for recusal has been made in this case.
The tragic loss of the two young boys has sparked a legal battle that will now be decided in a trial as Barlow faces charges of murder. The community mourns the loss of Odin Jeffrey Ratliff and Hunter Charlie Jackson, as justice is sought for their untimely deaths. The trial proceedings will shed light on the events leading up to the fatal crash and determine the fate of the accused driver.