Taylorsville police officer in court in connection with fatal shooting case

SALT LAKE CITY — Taylorsville police officer Jimmy Jeremy Haas made his initial court appearance on Friday in connection with a fatal shooting.

The case stems from an October 2024 shooting in Taylorsville that resulted in the death of 28-year-old Henry Chavez Jr.

Prosecutors said Haas shot Chavez Jr. through the rear windshield of his truck after Chavez used his vehicle to ram Haas' police car during the 2024 confrontation.

Court proceedings on Friday were brief and focused on procedural matters, including required paperwork and next steps in the criminal case. Haas was not taken into custody and left the courthouse following the hearing.

The Salt Lake County District Attorney's Office charged Haas in May with manslaughter. He could face up to 15 years in prison if found guilty.

Haas was placed on administrative leave.

At Friday's hearing, a judge reviewed the charge and advised Haas on the required documentation moving forward. The hearing lasted only a few minutes.

Haas is scheduled to return to court on Aug. 7 at 9 a.m.

KSL legal analyst Greg Skordas said video evidence is expected to play a central role as the case continues.

"As the case moves forward, video evidence will likely be a key focus as both sides prepare arguments over whether the force used was legally justified," Skordas said.

Correction: An earlier version incorrectly reported that Jimmy Jeremy Haas was a former Taylorsville police officer. This story was updated to show he is an officer on administrative leave.