Slain Utah Police Officers Identified: 'We Owe These Heroes a Debt'

Officials identified the two Utah police officers who were shot and killed while responding to a domestic disturbance call over the weekend. 

Tremonton-Garland Police Sgt. Lee Sorensen, 56, and Officer Eric Estrada, 31, were struck by gunfire by an armed suspect who exited a home police had been called to Sunday, KUTV-TV reports. Both officers were pronounced dead at the scene.

Sorensen had served in law enforcement for 17 years, receiving multiple honors during that time. He had recently been promoted to sergeant, and his swearing in had been scheduled for Friday.

Estrada had joined the Tremonton-Garland Police Department earlier this year and had been a member of the agency's community outreach unit. He had previously served with the Box Elder County Sheriff's Office, the North Park Police Department and the Logan Police Department, which is where he began his policing career in 2017.

"We owe these heroes a debt that can never be repaid," Gov. Spencer Cox said in a statement ordering flags flown at half-staff. "As we grieve, let us also recommit to supporting the men and women of law enforcement who stand on the front lines to keep our neighborhoods safe. May God bless the Sorensen and Estrada families, and all those who are hurting in this time of loss." 

An unidentified Box Elder County sheriff's deputy and a K-9 also were wounded by gunfire as they arrived at the incident. The deputy has been released from the hospital, and the K-9 was being treated at a veterinary clinic.

As many as 50 law enforcement officers responded to the shooting, according to The Associated Press. Bystanders at the scene are being credited with convincing the suspect to drop his gun and surrender.

The 33-year-old suspect was identified as Ryan Michael Bate, and he faces multiple charges, including two counts of capital aggravated murder and a count of first-degree felony attempted aggravated murder. 

It's unclear what led Bate to open fire on the officers. In May 2024, he faced multiple domestic violence-related charges in connection with an assault on a woman, the Utah News Dispatch reports.