- The families of crash victims Brayden Long and Anthony Sandoval await a trial date.
- Driver Shantil Garn faces charges; digital evidence challenges have delayed the trial proceedings.
- The next pre-trial hearing on March 31 offers hope for closure and justice.
SOUTH JORDAN — Three and a half years after two young boys were hit by an alleged distracted driver along 11400 South, the families of the victims say they are still waiting for closure.
And patience is wearing thin.
The families of Brayden Long and Anthony Sandoval were back in court on Tuesday, hoping a trial date would finally be set for the woman accused of hitting their sons. Brayden was killed in the crash; Anthony survived but continues to live with lifelong injuries.
A case still in limbo
The suspected driver, Shantil Garn, faces multiple felony charges, including automobile homicide and obstruction of justice. Prosecutors said she was using her phone on July 6, 2022, when her SUV veered into the bike lane where the boys were riding.
Despite the severity of the case, a firm trial date remains uncertain.
"It's just frustrating to know that somebody has disabled my child and killed someone else and there's no accountability," said Jamie Beach, Anthony's mother. "I think that's what hurts the worst."
Anthony, now almost 13, has grown and healed in many ways, but the emotional scars remain, and so do the complications suffered from the crash. He still misses his best friend Brayden — the boy he was riding with that day.
Families say delays deepen the pain
For Brayden's father, Clark Monk, the repeated delays feel like an open wound that never gets the chance to close.
"It's just taking forever," he said. "We trust the state, but we can't get closure until this goes to trial."
Both families said they understand that the legal process can be slow, but after three and a half years, the waiting feels unbearable.
"It's like having a carrot dangled in front of your face," Monk said. "You think you're going to get somewhere, and then it just gets yanked away."
Digital evidence challenges
In a statement to KSL, the Salt Lake County District Attorney's Office acknowledged the delays, saying in part:
"There have been multiple challenges related to digital evidence in the case that have led to delays. ... When our law enforcement partners are able to finish working with that key evidence, we will continue to trial."
The families said they appreciate that the state is taking the case seriously — but they want justice sooner rather than later.
"There needs to be some accountability," Beach said. "And it needs to happen now."
Looking ahead
The next pre-trial hearing is scheduled for March 31. Both families hope that date will finally bring what they've been waiting for: a firm trial date and the first real step toward closure.
