Charges filed in Jordanelle State Park slaying
Christopher Alvey, 19, was charged Monday by the Wasatch County Attorney's Office in 4th District Court with aggravated murder, a first-degree felony. A weapons enhancement was also filed with the charge. Alvey is accused of shooting Ashley Sparks Dec. 26 at Jordanelle State Park near Heber City.
According to court documents, Alvey committed the murder for the purpose of either "preventing a witness from testifying," "preventing a person from providing evidence or participating in any legal proceedings or official investigation," "retaliating against a person for testifying, providing evidence, or participating in any legal proceedings or official investigation" or "disrupting or hindering any lawful governmental function or enforcement of laws."
Because of the motive behind the shooting, a charge of aggravated murder was filed, said Wasatch County Attorney Thomas Low.
Charges against Cowdell and Binkerd were still being considered Monday. Low said Monday if charges were filed against either man, there was still a question of whether their involvement was in Salt Lake or Wasatch County and which jurisdiction should file charges. Cowdell is accused of driving Sparks to Jordanelle to meet Alvey, according to court documents.
Extensions to hold Binkerd and Cowdell in the Salt Lake County Jail a little longer while their cases are reviewed were expected to be filed, said Utah State Parks spokeswoman Deena Loyola.
Since their arrests in connection with the slaying, Alvey and Binkerd have had other charges of theft and forgery filed against them in separate cases in 3rd District Court. Police say all three men arrested had long criminal histories and were already being investigated in other jurisdictions for crimes not related to the shooting.
Alvey's charge leaves open the possibility of a death sentence if convicted. Low said Monday his office had not decided whether to seek the death penalty. State law allows for prosecutors to file a notice of intent to seek the death penalty 60 days after the defendant's arraignment.
Alvey was scheduled to make his initial court appearance in Heber on Wednesday.
Also Monday, a motion was filed in 4th District Court to have Alvey transported from Salt Lake to the Wasatch County Jail. He was being held on $1 million bail.
E-mail: preavy@desnews.com
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