A tragic road rage incident in Utah ended with a 61-year-old man losing his life, and now questions are swirling around the suspect’s claim of self-defense. The shooting took place at Jordanelle State Park on September 25, following a heated encounter between two drivers.
Patrick Hayes, described by his family as a “larger-than-life” personality, was shot and killed by 62-year-old Greg Kyle DeBoer. According to the Wasatch County Sheriff’s Office, the two men had an altercation on the road, leading DeBoer to follow Hayes to the park. Surveillance footage reportedly shows both vehicles entering the area. Once there, things escalated when Hayes got out of his car, armed with a metal baton and a pocketknife, and walked toward DeBoer’s vehicle. DeBoer, who was armed with a Kimber 1911 handgun loaded with rare hollow-point Winchester Black Talon ammunition, opened fire, fatally shooting Hayes.
DeBoer later admitted to the shooting but claimed it was an act of self-defense. Despite this, he didn’t call the police after the incident. Instead, he buried the gun and ammunition near his home in Heber City. Investigators later recovered the weapon during a search of DeBoer’s property.
The Black Talon ammunition used in the shooting is particularly notable because it’s been out of production for more than two decades, making it a rare find. Hayes’ autopsy revealed a single bullet from this ammo, linking DeBoer to the killing.
DeBoer was arrested on December 23, not for murder but for obstruction of justice—a second-degree felony—due to his actions after the shooting, including hiding the weapon. The Hayes family, though relieved by the arrest, is still grappling with their loss and feels justice hasn’t been fully served. They believe DeBoer intentionally killed Patrick and that his self-defense claim doesn’t hold up.
Christian Hayes, Patrick’s son, shared his pain in an interview, saying the hardest part is knowing his dad is gone forever. He described his father as a former NCAA All-American swimmer and water polo player, as well as a loving dad and small business owner who had a larger-than-life presence. “He’s left a big hole in our hearts,” Christian said, adding how difficult it’s been to face the holidays without him.
For the Hayes family, Christmas Eve brought a bittersweet sense of justice with DeBoer’s arrest. “It’s almost poetic,” Christian remarked, noting that while DeBoer was taken into custody, the family still struggles to accept the reality of their loss. They remain steadfast in their belief that this wasn’t a case of self-defense but an unjustified killing.
The investigation continues, with authorities analyzing evidence to determine the exact circumstances of the shooting, including whether Patrick Hayes was trying to enter DeBoer’s vehicle or walking away when he was shot. Meanwhile, the Hayes family is holding on to hope that the truth will prevail.
