Preliminary Hearing Sparks Outrage Among Murder Victim’s Friends, Family

Dramatic moments in the Bonneville County Courthouse on Friday, as a judge hears two cases connected to a Christmas day murder.

It was a preliminary hearing for Joshua Cortez and Ryan Morgan. Both of them were inside the Ammon home where and when 20-year-old Buck Garner was stabbed to death on Christmas.

Friday’s case, however, pertains to a scuffle that happened on the other side of the room at the same time the stabbing supposedly took place.

Cortez is charged with aggravated battery, allegedly hitting Andrew Hall and knocking him out with a shovel.

Morgan allegedly punched Hall several times as well.

Hall testified during Friday’s hearing, but perhaps the most shocking part of this hearing came after the judge’s decision. Buck Garner’s mother shouted an expletive toward the judge.

“The comments that you made in this courtroom are inappropriate,” the Hon. Ralph Savage scolded Mrs. Garner in front of the crowded courtroom. “I don’t know what it was in reference to — something with regard to bulls**t — whether it was this court’s ruling or anything like that. I’m just gonna let you know if you make any comments like that again, you can be held in contempt of court.”

Garner’s friends and family left the courtroom crying and visibly upset.

The judge reduced Cortez’s bond from $75,000 to $30,000. Morgan’s bond was also reduced from $75,000 to $45,000.

Both men are being charged with aggravated battery.

Cortez and Morgan will appear in district court at the end of this January.

Several other men linked to Buck Garner’s death will have their preliminary hearings one week from Friday.