A 1972 murder that went unsolved for over 50 years is finally having its day in court. On November 26th, 2024, Darrel Eugene Choate of Tooele was taken into custody by Uintah County Sheriff Detectives at a Salt Lake City hospital for the 1972 murder of Gregory Nickell. Choate was 22 years old at the time of the murder and with recent advancements in DNA testing, Choate was identified as a suspect and brought into custody. Choate was present for his preliminary hearing before a judge in 8th District Court this week where the judge ruled that there is enough evidence to proceed with the case. A KUTV report provided details from this week’s preliminary hearing. Ranelle Simmons, who was only 18-years-old at the time of the horrific murder and subsequent attack on her, took the stand and testified to what happened. Uintah County Sheriff’s Detective Chase Hall also took the stand, detailing how DNA testing led to the arrest of Choate. With the judge’s decision, Choate’s arraignment was scheduled for June 9th in 8th District Court.
