After two days of oral arguments and three hearings in December, a Utah judge reversed her decision to seal charges and evidence against three teens accused of causing the November death of West Valley City Police Officer Cody Brotherson. The teens allegedly triggered a police chase while driving a stolen car and hit the officer as he attempted to lay down spike strips. Brotherson died on impact.
Prosecutors initially successfully got charges against the teens sealed so the public had no way of knowing what the teens were accused of, nor the evidence against them. A media coalition came together and hired an attorney to fight that decision.
Charges and other court documents were released the day after the judge reversed her decision. The teens are facing a host of charges, among them, first-degree murder with gang enhancements, obstruction of justice and possession of a dangerous weapon by a minor.
Have questions about how the media coalition was formed and what SPJ might be able to do for you? Email McKenzie Romero at mromero@deseretnews.com.
Utah SPJ 