Utah County, UT | November 2025-Michael Aaron Jayne, a 43-year-old inmate already awaiting trial for the May 2024 murder of Sgt. Bill Hooser of the Santaquin Police Department, has been accused of yet another violent confrontation with law enforcement—this time at the Utah County Jail. Jayne, who is facing murder and aggravated assault charges, was allegedly involved in an incident late Sunday night in which he is accused of propelling liquid at a corrections deputy from inside his cell.
What Happened?
According to court documents, the incident occurred around 11:30 p.m. on Sunday, November 9, 2025, when Jayne reportedly manipulated something inside his cell to spray an unknown liquid at a deputy standing outside his cell. The deputy, who was hit by the substance, was seen wiping the liquid off his face, shirt, and pants. Investigators believe the act required planning and effort, noting that Jayne used his hands to forcefully strike something inside his cell door, causing the liquid to be projected at the deputy through the small crack in the door.
This latest allegation has not yet led to formal charges, but Jayne could face a Class A misdemeanor for propelling a substance at a law enforcement officer. This development adds to a growing list of violent incidents involving Jayne while in jail.
Background of Jayne’s Criminal History
Jayne’s legal troubles began with the tragic death of Sgt. Bill Hooser in May 2024. Authorities say Jayne struck Sgt. Hooser with a semi-truck on Interstate 15 in Santaquin, Utah, after evading a traffic stop initiated by a Utah Highway Patrol trooper. After the collision, Jayne allegedly fled the scene, stole multiple vehicles, and was eventually captured in Vernal. He now faces several serious charges, including aggravated murder and aggravated assault, and prosecutors have indicated they will pursue the death penalty, which requires a unanimous verdict from the jury.
Previous Incidents at the Jail
In addition to the most recent allegation, Michael Jayne has faced several violent incidents while in custody. In July 2025, during a contraband inquiry, Jayne allegedly assaulted multiple deputies. Reports from that incident claim he pushed a table toward deputies, threatened to kill them, and even clawed the face of one deputy and attempted to gouge his eye. As a result, Jayne was hit with felony charges of aggravated assault by a prisoner and assault by a prisoner, and two deputies sustained injuries, including a bone chip and sprains.
Legal Proceedings and the Growing Concern
Jayne’s actions in the Utah County Jail are under intense scrutiny as they add new complexities to the ongoing murder prosecution. The incidents behind bars raise concerns about his behavior and conduct, which could play a role in shaping how the murder case unfolds.
Despite the serious allegations, it is important to note that Michael Aaron Jayne is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. As the legal system moves forward with both his murder prosecution and the jail-based allegations, public attention will remain fixed on how these cases develop.
This story may be updated with more information as it becomes available.
