Decision to preliminary hearing for Ryan Michael Bate set for Dec. 18

WEBER COUNTY, Utah (ABC4) — A decision for a preliminary hearing for Ryan Michael Bate, the man accused of shooting and killing two Tremonton police officers, has been set for Dec. 18.

In a hearing on Thursday morning, the position of defense counsel said that it was too early to set a preliminary hearing.

After working with attorneys for the state and Bate, Judge Spencer Walsh set a date for a decision to preliminary for Dec. 18.

During the hearing, Bate appeared virtually from the Box Elder County Jail.

Background information

On August 17, 2025, Bate allegedly shot and killed Sergeant Lee Sorensen and Officer Eric Estrada during a domestic disturbance at his home in Tremonton. He also allegedly shot and injured Deputy Mike Allred and K9 Officer Azula, attacked his wife, and shot at a neighbor.

Bate now faces a long list of charges including aggravated murder, attempted murder, conduct to injure or kill a police canine, unlawful detention, assault, and domestic violence.

Mj Jewkes and Amelia Hobson contributed to this reporting.