Road Rage Shooting Lawsuit Paused as Criminal Case Moves Forward

Judge Halts Civil Action in $20 Million Wrongful Death Claim

SALT LAKE CITY — A Utah judge has put a hold on a civil lawsuit filed against a man accused of shooting and killing Patrick Hayes during a 2024 road rage encounter, ruling that the case cannot move ahead until the related criminal matter is resolved.

Civil Case on Hold

Third District Court Judge Richard Mrazik on Tuesday ordered a pause in the civil proceedings against Greg Kyle DeBoer, who is being sued for $20 million by Hayes’s son, Christian. The judge set a 90-day review for Feb. 27, 2026.

DeBoer is facing a single obstruction of justice charge in Fourth District Court, with a pretrial conference scheduled for Jan. 21. Prosecutors have not charged him with homicide, though he admitted to burying the gun used in the shooting.

Christian filed the civil lawsuit in February, alleging wrongful death, assault and battery, and intentional infliction of emotional distress. His attorney, Aaron Wilde, said the family turned to civil court to secure a trial by jury and to bring a “fresh set of eyes” to the case. The lawsuit was filed in Third District Court because DeBoer lives in Summit County.

Criminal Investigation and Public Outcry

Wasatch County Sheriff Jared Rigby previously said there was not enough evidence to charge DeBoer with homicide. But a separate third-party investigation — led by retired Utah State District Judge Richard D. McKelvie — concluded there was “compelling evidence” supporting such a charge.

The Hayes family has publicly pushed for homicide charges, arguing the current obstruction charge does not reflect the gravity of Patrick’s death.

The civil complaint seeks $10 million for Patrick’s general damages, including physical pain, emotional suffering and loss of enjoyment of life, plus an additional $10 million for damages suffered by his heirs.

Judge Reviews Fraudulent Transfer Allegations

The lawsuit also accuses DeBoer of attempting to hide assets after the shooting. According to the complaint, DeBoer transferred his home to his girlfriend, Jenny Lee Marzo, in January — two weeks after he was arrested. Marzo then transferred the title to Brandon E. Monthey and Debra Lynn Lyon, both named as defendants.

Court documents allege the transfers were made with “actual intent to hinder, delay, or defraud” potential creditors.

On Dec. 24, Monthey posted on Facebook accusing DeBoer of “fraudulently” living in the Browns Canyon home.

DeBoer’s attorneys filed a motion to dismiss the fraudulent transfer claim, arguing that the issue was moot because the title had been transferred back and that there was no creditor-debtor relationship at the time of the transfer.

Judge Mrazik rejected the argument that DeBoer was unaware of potential legal action. He noted that DeBoer shot a man, left him on the roadside, made no emergency call, and hid the weapon. “That is simply not a factual situation under which … a person would not expect legal action,” he said.

However, because the property transfer was reversed, Mrazik dismissed the fraudulent transfer claim as moot.

Details of the Shooting

The shooting took place on Sept. 25, 2024, near the Ross Creek entrance of Jordanelle State Park. Surveillance footage shows Patrick pulling into the area, followed by DeBoer. DeBoer appeared to try to hit Patrick with his car twice after Patrick got out of his vehicle.

After a brief exchange, DeBoer shot Patrick once in the chest and drove away. Patrick can be heard crying out in alarm and then in pain.

DeBoer did not call 911. A passerby found Patrick’s body nearly 12 hours later. DeBoer later directed officers to a buried Pelican Case containing the gun and ammunition.

Upcoming Court Actions

DeBoer’s criminal case will continue in Fourth District Court. Patrick’s fiancée, Sue Ann Kern, has filed complaints against the Wasatch County Sheriff’s Office and County Attorney’s Office, alleging victims’ rights violations.

The civil case will remain on hold until the criminal charges are resolved or until the court revisits the stay in early 2026.