TOOELE, Utah — The Grantsville teenager accused of killing four of his family members appeared in court Tuesday.
16-year-old Colin Haynie, also known as "CJ," made his second appearance in the Tooele County Courthouse.
A significant step occurred with the court appointing Richard VanWagoner to be CJ Haynie’s defense attorney.
Mr. Van Wagoner represented the teen during his initial appearance last week but there were questions and concerns as to whether he’d continue in that role or if a different attorney might have to be appointed.
That is now resolved and Mr. VanWagoner will be C Haynie’s attorney from this point forward.
"There were some logistical things to work out to make sure that the indigent defense fund would cover Mr. VanWagoner's expenses and attorneys fees," Tooele County Attorney Scott Broadhead said. "That's been clarified so the judge formally appointed Mr. VanWagoner."
CJ Hainey said nothing in the courtroom Tuesday and never looked at his dad who was sitting in the front row.
After the attorney issue was resolved, the judge set another scheduling conference.
CJ Haynie is due back in court Feb. 24.
Prosecutors said this is just the first step in what will likely be a very long process.
The other big question that no one can answer, at least not yet, is motive.
Why did CJ allegedly pull the trigger that day?
The 16-year-old is facing 4 counts of aggravated murder, one count of attempted murder and five counts of illegal discharge of a firearm.
Haynie is accused of shooting and killing his mother, Alejandra Consuelo, his sisters, 12-year-old Milan and 17-year-old Alexis, and his 14-year-old brother Matthew at their Grantsville home on Jan. 17.
He is also accused of shooting his father, also named Colin Haynie, who survived.
