CRIME, POLICE + COURTS

Man accused of killing U. student pleads guilty and apologizes

Sep 12, 2018, 6:46 PM | Updated: 7:30 pm

(Rick Bowmer)

(Rick Bowmer)

MATHESON COURTHOUSE – The man accused of shooting and killing a University of Utah student last year confessed to his crimes in court, and will never be free again.

Austin Boutain pleaded guilty to aggravated murder in the death of ChenWei Guo last October.  As part of that deal, both sides agreed Boutain would be sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole.  He also pleaded guilty to aggravated attempted murder, aggravated kidnapping, aggravated robbery and aggravated assault of an inmate after he reportedly stabbed someone while in jail.

(Facebook, ChenWei Guo)

Prosecutors say Guo’s family is fully behind the deal.

Salt Lake County Deputy District Attorney Chou Chou Collins says, “They’re in agreement with this resolution because this way they can move on with their grief and have a good memory of their son.”

Guo’s friend, who was with him during the time of the botched carjacking and shooting, was not in the courtroom.

“She couldn’t bear the idea of coming back to this town again,” Collins told the judge, adding that she would be willing to testify in court if she needed to.

Boutain showed little emotion while talking to the judge, and simply replied “Yes, sir,” when he was asked if he understood what he was agreeing to.  However, he had a message for his victims.

“I just want to say to the family and the victims that I know ‘sorry’ doesn’t mean much, but, I am truly sorry,” Boutain said.

(Rick Bowmer)

Outside of the courtroom, Boutain’s attorney, Michael Sikora, says his client is remorseful about what he did.

“His parents want everyone to know and the victims to know how sorry they are about what happened and that they are praying for all the victims and the victims’ families.”

Sikora also says he didn’t have to work hard to convince Boutain to take the deal.

“This was something that he was hoping for from the very beginning.”

The legal troubles aren’t over for Boutain.  He’s still facing a first-degree murder charge in Colorado.  Sikora says he’s not sure when officials from that state will pursue that charge.

We want to hear from you.

Have a story idea or tip? Send it to the KSL NewsRadio team here.

Today’s Top Stories

Crime, Police + Courts

A video recorded by Facebook user Larry Jacquez shows the police response following the shooting in...

Jamiel Lynch, CNN     

At least 3 people killed and 2 officers wounded in a shooting in Farmington, New Mexico, police say

Multiple people were shot and at least three killed in a shooting in Farmington, New Mexico, police said in a Facebook post.

11 months ago

slcpd on the scene of the deaths...

Josh Ellis

Police: Teen killed by father in murder-suicide in SLC office building

Police responded to the office complex near 3000 S. Highland Drive on Saturday after emergency responders received a call from a community member who reported finding a body.

11 months ago

a police car is pictured...

Mark Jones

SLCPD investigating suspious death, seeks public’s assistance

SALT LAKE CITY — Salt Lake City police say a body found Sunday morning in downtown is considered to be a suspicious death. Police were called to the area of 536 S. 200 West just after 11 a.m. Once on scene, officers confirmed the individual, who was found in a field, to be deceased. Information […]

11 months ago

The new Utah State Correctional Facility is pictured in Salt Lake City on Thursday, June 30, 2022. ...

Mark Jones

State Correctional Facility placed on temporary lockdown

The Utah State Correctional Facility was placed on temporary lockdown Saturday following a fight with several inmates.

11 months ago

The Salt Lake City Police Department is investigating the deaths of two people. Their bodies were f...

Mark Jones

SLCPD investigating after two bodies found inside an office complex

Salt Lake City police are investigating the discovery of two bodies found Saturday inside an office complex near 3000 S. Highland Drive.

11 months ago

Unified police...

Mark Jones

Woman dies in hiking accident in Big Cottonwood Canyon

Unified Police say a 34-year-old woman died Friday following a hiking accident in Big Cottonwood Canyon.

11 months ago

Sponsored Articles

close up of rose marvel saliva blooms in purple...

Shannon Cavalero

Drought Tolerant Perennials for Utah

The best drought tolerant plants for Utah can handle high elevations, alkaline soils, excessive exposure to wind, and use of secondary water.

Group of cheerful team members high fiving each other...

Visit Bear Lake

How To Plan a Business Retreat in Bear Lake This Spring

Are you wondering how to plan a business retreat this spring? Read our sample itinerary to plan a team getaway to Bear Lake.

Cheerful young woman writing an assignment while sitting at desk between two classmates during clas...

BYU EMBA at the Marriott School of Business

Hear it Firsthand: 6 Students Share Their Executive MBA Experience at BYU’s Marriott School of Business

The Executive MBA program at BYU offers great opportunities. Hear experiences straight from students enrolled in the program.

Skier being towed by a rider on a horse. Skijoring....

Bear Lake Convention and Visitors Bureau

Looking for a New Winter Activity? Try Skijoring in Bear Lake

Skijoring is when someone on skis is pulled by a horse, dog, animal, or motor vehicle. The driver leads the skiers through an obstacle course over jumps, hoops, and gates.

Banner with Cervical Cancer Awareness Realistic Ribbon...

Intermountain Health

Five Common Causes of Cervical Cancer – and What You Can Do to Lower Your Risk

January is National Cervical Cancer Awareness month and cancer experts at Intermountain Health are working to educate women about cervical cancer.

Kid holding a cisco fish at winterfest...

Bear Lake Convention and Visitors Bureau

Get Ready for Fun at the 2023 Bear Lake Monster Winterfest

The Bear Lake Monster Winterfest is an annual weekend event jam-packed full of fun activities the whole family can enjoy.

Man accused of killing U. student pleads guilty and apologizes