Trial dates set in killing of teen girl; defense attorney awaits new information


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SALT LAKE CITY — Trial dates have been blocked out for of an 18-year-old accused of killing his girlfriend when he was 14, even as his attorney says he is awaiting new information that could shape their case.

Darwin Chris Bagshaw, who turned 18 last month, appeared in court for a disposition hearing Friday, greeting the judge and asking how he was doing as he entered the courtroom. Bagshaw was 14 in 2012 when he allegedly brutally beat his 15-year-old Riverton girlfriend, Anne Kasprzak, to death, dumping her body in the Jordan River.

Although Bagshaw was questioned immediately by police, he wasn't arrested until 2014 due in part to Draper police originally arresting a man who had nothing to do with the case.

Christopher Bown, Bagshaw's attorney, asked 3rd District Judge James Blanch for more time before setting the trial dates in order to review a new interview.

"I don't know what it says at this point," Bown said. "Once I review it, it could potentially impact the case, and that's why I want to review it before I go forward to set a trial date."


I don't know what (the new information) says at this point. Once I review it, it could potentially impact the case, and that's why I want to review it before I go forward to set a trial date.

–Christopher Bown, defense attorney


A plea deal is still possible, Bown noted, though at this point Bagshaw is preparing for trial.

Blanch set aside three weeks beginning Nov. 30 as a tentative block for the trial. An additional disposition hearing has been scheduled for Aug. 28.

Bagshaw was charged last October in juvenile court with murder and obstruction of justice, and was later certified to stand trial as an adult on the murder charge. In May, a juvenile district court judge dismissed the obstruction charge, clearing the way for the then-17-year-old to face the murder charge.

Bagshaw is now housed in an adult correctional facility.

Members of Kasprzak's family, who were in the courtroom Friday but did not speak to reporters, have said they want Bagshaw to take responsibility for the girl's death, but the family is not seeking revenge.

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