On Tuesday, Nov. 26, 2024, Darrel Eugene Choate was taken into custody by Uintah County Sheriff Detectives at a Salt Lake City hospital for the 1972 murder of Gregory Nickell.
The warrant for Choate was issued on November 1; however, due to unspecified medical issues, Choate wasn't arrested at that time. Coincidentally, Choate was taken into custody 52 years to the day of when the crime occurred. Choate was then transported to Vernal where he is being held in the Uintah County Jail.
The Uintah County Sheriff’s Office is seeking the community’s assistance in obtaining any information regarding Darrel Eugene “Gene” Choate. He was 22 years old at the time of the murder and rape. The case was unsolved for more than 50 years, but with the help of recent advancements in DNA testing, Choate was identified and arrested.
The Uintah County Sheriff’s Office is interested in speaking with anyone who may have known Darrel Eugene “Gene” Choate personally, or who may have information related to this case. He has criminal and residential history in Uintah, Carbon, and Duchesne Counties, as well as the states of Washington, Oregon, Arizona, Idaho, Nevada, New Mexico and Texas. If you have information about people he may have confided in or remember conversations where he shared even the most minor details, your information could be crucial to the prosecution.
The information provided will be treated with the utmost confidentiality. Contact the Uintah County Sheriff’s Office at 435-781-6700 or email [email protected] if you have any details that could assist in our investigation.
Choate is a white male, approx. 5’9” and was 160-180 lbs. with bluish/hazel eyes and brown hair at the time of the crime. He was a horseman, marksman, truck driver, ranch hand, oil field worker, and worked in the mining industry.
The Uintah County Sheriff’s Office is committed to uncovering the truth and providing justice for the victims and their families.
Republished courtesy of Uintah County Sheriff’s Office