Sentencing for man who murdered his mom and 3 siblings delayed due to funding

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TOOELE — Colin Jeffery "CJ" Haynie admitted in July to shooting and killing his mother and three siblings, but several months later he still has not been sentenced.

A hearing was scheduled for Haynie on Tuesday for the potential sentencing, but attorneys instead agreed to set another scheduling conference. That is now set for May 2, meaning Haynie's sentencing could happen more than a year after he pleaded guilty.

Haynie, 19, was charged as an adult and pleaded guilty to four counts of aggravated murder, a first-degree felony, in the shooting deaths of his mother, Consuelo Alejandra Haynie, 52; sisters Alexis Haynie, 15, and Milan Haynie, 12; and brother Matthew Haynie, 14. He also pleaded guilty to the attempted murder of his father.

Haynie was 16 when he shot and killed his mother and three of his siblings with a handgun over a five-hour period as each returned to their Grantsville home on Jan. 17, 2020, according to charging documents. His father arrived home later and was shot in the leg before he wrestled the handgun away from his son.

Now, Haynie's attorneys are seeking funding for an up-to-date mental health evaluation they say 3rd District Judge Teresa Welch should have the opportunity to review before issuing a sentence. The last evaluation occurred when Haynie was 17, and the attorneys argue the last two years have been formative.

But right now, there is no money available to pay for the evaluation.

Colin Jeffery “CJ” Haynie (Photo: Family photo)

The Indigent Defense Fund, which helps people who cannot afford their own defense, is responsible for paying the costs for Haynie's legal representation. But when Haynie's attorneys asked the judge to approve funding for the evaluation, the judge said she did not have the authority to approve it and denied the motion.

The Indigent Defense Fund, however, is required under its contract to ask the court to approve the cost.

A bill being considered by the Utah Legislature could fix what some call an "oversight" in current law, leading to situations like Haynie's delayed sentencing.

Under HB383, which passed the Utah House and is now in the Senate, an indigent defense provider representing someone charged with aggravated murder can ask a judge to approve funding for resources not outlined in the Indigent Defense Fund contract.

Bill sponsor Rep. Ryan Wilcox, R-Ogden, told the House that when amending the law a few years ago, legislators "inadvertently removed some judicial discretion" specifically for aggravated murder cases and the bill reinstates that. Wilcox did not cite Haynie's case; however, he said the issue was not addressed previously because the change had not been needed until now.

Haynie already waived his right to receive a sentence within 45 days of his plea after his attorney asked for four months to prepare. Defense attorney Richard Van Wagoner said Haynie is expected to stay in a juvenile detention center, where he currently is being held on a $4 million bail, until he turns 25. Therefore, a sentencing likely would not change his custody status.