“In the case of the state of Utah against Kent Barlow, on the evening of May 2 in Eagle Mountain, Barlow crashed his car tragically killing two three-year-old boys. At the same time, he injured his passengers and himself. Our hearts go out to the Ratliff and Jackson families who are suffering the loss of the two boys,” said Utah County Attorney David Leavitt. “Today I authorize the filing of two counts of manslaughter against Barlow, each carrying one to 15 years in state prison. We intend to present the case to a jury and hope to demonstrate that beyond reasonable doubt he committed these crimes.”

The incident occurred at the Cedar Valley Stables when Barlow allegedly drove off the road at 100 miles per hour through a horse corral before crashing into a stable.

According to a Utah County Sheriff’s Office press release, the two children, later identified as Odin Ratliff and Hunter Jackson, were playing together with toy trucks in the empty corral when the vehicle hit them. According to the release, they were killed instantly and found 75 feet away from where they were playing.

Leavitt, during the press conference, was asked why there weren’t any drug charges against Barlow. It was reported UCSO conducted a preliminary drug screening the day of the incident and Barlow tested positive for methamphetamines.

Isaac Hale, Daily Herald file photo Daily Herald

“We seek the highest and most violent crime in cases like this,” he said. “A manslaughter case carries a potential prison term up to 15 years. We don’t intend to allow a plea bargain in any case like this. Lesser charges such as [drug charges] would have been included and dealt away in order to relieve the state of its burden of proving its case. My policy is the government should always prove the case against the defendant.”

Leavitt also addressed why Barlow is charged with manslaughter as opposed to automobile homicide.

“We believe that these charges carry an intent of recklessness which occurred in the case, and a second-degree felony is the most serious charge that we can charge under state law,” Leavitt said. “Our philosophy is we charge the highest charge that is necessary.”

According to the sheriff’s office, Barlow was currently on parole for prior charges. Leavitt noted that he was previously arrested for stealing a motorcycle and police car, in addition to fleeing from the police. He added that Barlow being out on parole reflects “a culture of violent criminals serving too short of sentences in prison” and that Barlow’s previous arrest was outside of Utah County.

Leavitt has not met with the Ratliff and Jackson families, but noted that they are aware of Barlow’s charges.