Utah County Jury Convicts on Two Counts of Depraved Indifference Homicide

Today a jury convicted Kent Cody Barlow of two counts of Depraved Indifference Homicide for killing Odin Ratliff and Hunter Jackson on May 2, 2022, when he lost control of his speeding car and crashed into the horse stables where the three-year-old boys were playing with their toy trucks. Barlow, who was high on methamphetamine and driving his car at over 120 mph on Tiffany Lane in Eagle Mountain, ignored his passengers’ repeated screams to stop. He also ignored the unmistakable signs of bustling life at the Cedar Valley Stables as he sped towards the facility, flooring his accelerator. Barlow also ignored the stern warning he received from the judge who had sentenced him in a previous speeding case—where Barlow was traveling over 100 mph—that such behavior was deadly.

Prosecutors Ryan McBride and Michael Starrs masterfully organized and presented the substantial evidence showing how Barlow’s actions that day demonstrated a depraved indifference towards, and utter callousness for, human life. “It was our pleasure and our privilege to bring some measure of justice to Odin and Hunter’s families,” said McBride and Starrs. “While these verdicts cannot begin to make those families whole, we hope that they can find some peace knowing that a jury has held Barlow accountable under the law.”

Utah County has unfortunately experienced an increasing number of tragic and unnecessary deaths from excessive speeds, distracted driving, road rage, and driving under the influence of alcohol and drugs. Utah County Attorney Jeff Gray is committed to holding fully accountable all those who, like Mr. Barlow, so flagrantly violate the law and endanger others. “This behavior needs to stop now. I plead with all who travel our roads to obey our traffic laws, treat fellow drivers with kindness, and turn the other cheek when confronted with rude motorists.”

Barlow faces a prison sentence of fifteen years to life for each count.