An arrest has been made in the 1972 murder case of Gregory Nickell and law enforcement is asking the public for any additional details available as they prepare for prosecution. The Uintah County Sheriff’s Office announced that on Tuesday, November 26th, 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 1st, however due to unspecified medical issues, Choate wasn’t arrested at that time,”shares the announcement. “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 also announced that they are 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,” shares the Sheriff’s Office. “We are 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.” Please note that any information provided will be treated with the utmost confidentiality. Contact the Sheriff’s Office at 435-781-6700 or email coldcase@uintah.utah.gov if you have any information. Choate is a white male, approximately 5’9” and was 160-180 lbs. with bluish/hazel eyes and brown hair in 1972. He was a horseman, marksman, truck driver, ranch hand, oil field worker, and worked in the mining industry. The Uintah County Sheriff’s Office also shared that they remain committed to uncovering the truth and providing justice for the victims and their families.
