A Utah resident, Kent Cody Barlow, 28, has been convicted of “depraved indifference homicide” following a high-speed car crash into a horse stable that led to the tragic death of two toddlers. Barlow, who was under the influence of methamphetamine during the incident, was driving at a speed of 120 mph.
The jury delivered its verdict on Friday, holding Barlow accountable for the deaths of 3-year-olds Odin Ratliff and Hunter Jackson. The fatal incident took place on May 2, 2022, as Barlow was driving recklessly on Tiffany Lane in Eagle Mountain, located approximately 30 miles northwest of Provo. Despite his passengers’ pleas to decelerate, Barlow lost control of his vehicle and crashed into the Cedar Valley Stables, as per the statement from the Utah County Attorney’s Office.
During his closing argument, Michael Starrs, the deputy Utah County attorney, provided a heart-wrenching account of the incident. He narrated how the two young boys were innocently engaged in play, collecting chicken eggs and chasing cats, when their lives were abruptly cut short by Barlow’s reckless driving. Starrs emphasized that Barlow disregarded clear indications of life at the stables, including the presence of multiple cars.
The prosecution also underscored Barlow’s previous conviction for driving over 100 mph three years before the fatal crash. Despite a judge’s warning about the potential lethal consequences of his speeding, Barlow persisted in his dangerous behavior.
Barlow’s defense attorney, Justin Morrison, conceded that his client was under the influence of drugs at the time of the incident. However, he contended that Barlow did not intend to lose control of his vehicle or harm the boys, insisting that Barlow is not “a cold-blooded killer.”
The families of the victims, however, were convinced of Barlow’s guilt. “Hearing the words guilty of depraved indifference murder is what we’ve been fighting for,” said Theresa Ratliff, Odin’s mother, after the verdict. “That’s what we got because that is what he is guilty of.”
Barlow is set to be sentenced on June 30. He could potentially face a prison term ranging from 15 years to life.