Estimated read time: 1-2 minutes
- Greg De Boer, 62, faces an obstruction charge after a fatal road rage shooting.
- He allegedly shot Patrick Hayes, claiming self-defense, and buried the firearm.
- Hayes' family expresses heartbreak, as no charges in the killing have been filed.
SALT LAKE CITY — The man who police say admitted he shot and killed Patrick Hayes during a road rage incident and never reported it is facing a second-degree felony charge of obstruction of justice.
Greg De Boer, 62, is not charged in the shooting death.
According to court documents, surveillance footage from Sept. 25 shows DeBoer's Jeep Gladiator pulling up behind Hayes' vehicle at the Ross Creek entrance of the Jordanelle State Park. Hayes is seen stepping out of his car and approaching DeBoer's vehicle. Investigators said De Boer then shot Hayes and left the scene.
Weeks later, police tracked down De Boer, who claimed he acted in self-defense. However, investigators allege that De Boer buried the firearm and ammunition used in the incident near his home, leading to the obstruction charge. This charge carries a potential sentence of up to 15 years in prison.
Christian Hayes, Patrick Hayes' son, released a statement expressing his family's heartbreak, "We are incredibly disappointed that the man who shot and killed my father is able to walk the streets. This is extremely painful for me and my family."
During De Boer's initial court appearance on Friday, bail was set at $20,000, with conditions including a GPS ankle monitor and an order preventing him from leaving the state of Utah.
No murder charges have been filed, leaving Patrick Hayes' family struggling to cope with what they see as a lack of justice for his death.
Christian Hayes said he draws strength from his father's legacy and the outpouring of love from friends and family.
"He impacted so many people. ... He's left a really big kind of hole in our hearts," he said.
