A second suspect has been formally charged in the shooting death of Ashley Sparks at Jordanelle Reservoir in December.

Joshua Binkerd, 22, was charged with aggravated murder, a first-degree felony, in Heber City's 4th District Court on Wednesday. Prosecutors have said Binkerd ordered Sparks's shooting because he believed Sparks was going to provide information against him to police. Christopher Alvey pleaded guilty in April to shooting Sparks and was sentenced to 20 years to life in prison by Judge Derek Pullan.

Sparks was found Dec. 26 at Jordanelle Reservoir with four gunshot wounds and later died at a Salt Lake-area hospital. Three men were arrested in connection with her death, which may have been orchestrated to prevent Sparks from testifying against the men.

Police have reported Binkerd admitted to ordering Alvey to shoot Sparks. Jason Floyd Cowdell, 29, was suspected of delivering Sparks to Alvey for the crime, but prosecutor Thomas Low said he does not expect Cowdell will be charged in connection with her death.

Alvey's attorney, Sidney Unrau, said at his sentencing that Alvey was previously ordered to drive Sparks to a remote location and leave her there in order to intimidate her. At the time of her murder, Unrau said Alvey was carrying out a similar plan, but was called by Binkerd and told Sparks should be prevented from returning.

As part of Alvey's plea deal, he provided information to investigators about details of the crime, and Unrau told Pullan that his client is willing to testify against Binkerd. Although officials say Alvey and Binkerd were in a gang, Low said the two were the only members.

An aggravated murder conviction carries a possible death sentence if Binkerd is convicted. Binkerd is currently in prison for a parole violation.

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