LOCAL NEWS

Incarcerated family members of Gavin Peterson ordered not to contact each other

Dec 20, 2024, 2:26 PM | Updated: Jan 31, 2025, 9:42 am

OGDEN — After 12-year-old Gavin Peterson was found dying of starvation in a West Haven home on July 9, he was rushed to the hospital and ultimately died there. Three of his family members, who are accused of abusing him and ultimately causing his death, appeared in court Wednesday, where they were ordered not to contact each other.

Gavin’s father, Shane Peterson, 46; brother, Tyler Peterson, 21; and father’s girlfriend, Nichole Scott, 50, arrived in the courtroom and were seated quietly, all handcuffed and outfitted in orange jumpsuits. Shane and Tyler Peterson wore shackles on their feet, with orange sandals and socks.

Shane Peterson and Tyler Peterson’s feet shown shackled at a preliminary hearing on Dec. 18, 2024. (Pool photo via KUTV)

The hearing was set to schedule preliminary dates for the upcoming trial, which is currently expected to trial the three defendants together. In addition to state prosecutors and victim advocates, three attorneys who are set to represent the defendants separately were also in attendance: Jason Widdison for Shane Peterson, Ryan Bushell for Tyler Peterson and Randall Marshall for Scott.

Marshall had said he was going to try and remove Tyler Peterson from being tried alongside his father and Scott, and even requested a mental health evaluation for him, saying he had been “cut off from the family.” However, Tyler Peterson was still scheduled for the same trial hearings with his co-defendants on Wednesday.


View a timeline of events in Gavin Peterson’s case.


The 2nd District Court judge Camille Neider ordered the three defendants not to contact each other, even though Tyler Peterson and Shane Peterson are being held in the same jail. The no-contact order included transportation, prohibiting any of the defendants from being transported to courthouse hearings together.

Dates for preliminary hearings were set, first to confirm the status on March 11, 2025. The first evidentiary hearing was set for May 12 and 13, 2025, where the first witnesses and “experts” will be called in the case, Neider said.


Contributing: Garna Mejia, KSL TV


Editor’s note: The next court appearance was moved from March 3 to March 11. This story was updated to reflect the change.

KSL 5 TV Live

Local News

Nancy Duncan and Nick Jenderko behind Sabrina Carpenter at the 2025 Grammy Awards show....

Mike Anderson

Utahns sat among stars at the Grammys

Some Utahns earned some bragging rights after a night at the Grammy Awards.

48 minutes ago

FILE: On the same day the Utah’s Senate unanimously passed a resolution to bring an NHL franchise...

Daniella Rivera

‘You are inviting rapists to Utah’: Survivor urges lawmakers to consider consent bill

Year after year, Utah lawmakers have resisted or ignored efforts to close what experts and advocates say is a gap in the state’s sexual assault laws. The lawmaker behind those efforts hopes this year will be different.

2 hours ago

Over a thousand people filled the state Capitol rotunda Friday pleading for Gov. Spencer Cox to vet...

Shara Park

Thousands gather at Capitol Hill to protest against controversial union bill

Over a thousand people filled the Utah State Capitol rotunda Friday pleading for Gov. Spencer Cox to veto HB267.

2 hours ago

West Valley City police officers preforming a welfare check at the home of Sha Reh and Bu Meh on De...

Courtney Johns

Did police miss a key opportunity in West Valley family homicide?

KSL Investigators obtained body camera footage that provides insight into how West Valley City police responded to a welfare check the night before police discovered the tragic murder-suicide inside the home. 

2 hours ago

Ice Castles lit in pink and blue shades like cotton candy....

Michael Houck

Ice Castles close early due to warm weather

A popular winter attraction in Utah is ending early due to the shorter-than-expected winter season.

5 hours ago

Salt Lake County District Attorney Sim Gill on Friday explained body camera videos from Taylorsvill...

Pat Reavy, KSL.com

Police officers found justified in shooting, killing armed man in Taylorsville

Three Taylorsville police officers were legally justified when they opened fire on a man with a gun while responding to a domestic violence situation, the Salt Lake County District Attorney's Office announced Friday.

6 hours ago

Sponsored Articles

holiday gift basket with blue tissue paper and gingerbread cookies...

Kneaders Bakery & Cafe

Holiday hacks for a stress-free season

Get more out of your time with family and loved ones over the holidays by following these tips for a stress-free season.

2 computer techs in a computer shop holding up a computer server with the "hang loose" sign...

PC Laptops

A comprehensive guide to choosing the right computer

With these tips, choosing the right computer that fits your needs and your budget will be easier than ever.

crowds of people in a German style Christmas market...

This Is The Place Heritage Park

Celebrate Christkindlmarket at This Is The Place Heritage Park!

The Christkindlmarket is an annual holiday celebration influenced by German traditions and generous giving.

Image of pretty woman walking in snowy mountains. Portrait of female wearing warm winter earmuff, r...

Lighting Design

Brighten your mood this winter with these lighting tricks

Read our lighting tips on how to brighten your mood in the winter if you are experiencing seasonal affective disorder.

A kitchen with a washer and dryer and a refrigerator...

Appliance Man

Appliance Man: a trusted name in Utah’s home appliance industry

Despite many recent closures of local appliance stores, Appliance Man remains Utah's trusted home appliance business and is here to stay.

abstract vector digital social network technology background...

Les Olson

Protecting yourself against social engineering attacks

Learn more about the common types of social engineering to protect your online or offline assets from an attack.

Incarcerated family members of Gavin Peterson ordered not to contact each other