SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH — A 15-year-old boy, initially charged with murder in a case that was initially declined as self-defense by the Salt Lake County District Attorney’s Office, appeared in juvenile court on Wednesday, marking a significant new development in his ongoing legal battle.
Emiliano, who had previously entered a plea agreement for manslaughter in the death of a probation fugitive high on methamphetamine who allegedly robbed him at gunpoint, saw his plea agreement vacated. This latest move leaves the future of his case uncertain, as his attorney pushes for his release and the disqualification of the DA’s office due to allegations of prosecutorial misconduct.
The case’s new twists emerged during a detention hearing at the Third District Juvenile Court, where Judge David Johnson considered whether Emiliano could be released to his mother or remain in juvenile detention. While the DA’s office has indicated plans to file formal charges, it remains unclear what specific charges will be pursued.
Reflecting on his situation, Emiliano told the court, “I think about how different it’s gonna be when I go home.” Despite the uncertainty surrounding his case, he expressed hope for his future, a sentiment that has remained constant throughout the legal proceedings.
Two weeks ago, Emiliano was transferred from Secure Care in Farmington to the Salt Lake Valley Youth Detention Center. In a separate development, a 2News investigation uncovered allegations of prosecutorial misconduct directly related to Emiliano’s case. The accusations center around an inappropriate relationship between Adrianna Davis, a former prosecutor in the DA’s office, and West Valley City Police Detective Josue Llil, who had been investigating the case. The relationship was allegedly not disclosed to Emiliano or his previous defense attorney, raising questions about the integrity of the investigation.
Meghann Mills, a former Senior Deputy District Attorney who supervised the Juvenile Unit in the DA’s office, came forward with the allegations, providing text messages that were handed over to Emiliano’s new attorney. These messages were used in legal motions in the case, further complicating the proceedings. Mills’ disclosure prompted Emiliano’s new attorney, Nathan Evershed, to request that the DA’s office be disqualified from the case.
During the detention hearing, Bridget Romano, Salt Lake County Chief Deputy District Attorney, reminded the court that Emiliano’s status had not changed since his detention in February 2024, when he was initially charged with the murder of Niusami Auelua. Despite the self-defense aspects that led to the case being declined by the DA’s office, Romano argued that the seriousness of the offense and the associated risk factors still justified keeping Emiliano in detention. However, she suggested that a residential treatment facility could be an alternative if Judge Johnson were inclined to release him.
In response, Emiliano’s attorney, Nathan Evershed, painted a positive picture of his client’s progress. Evershed emphasized Emiliano’s intelligence, kindness, and empathy, noting that the teenager had demonstrated growth during his time in detention. “Emiliano is an intelligent, kind, and empathetic individual who possesses a strong sense of humility and self-awareness,” Evershed said. “He is resilient and recognizes the importance of taking responsibility for his future decisions.”
Evershed went on to highlight Emiliano’s exemplary behavior during his 13 months of incarceration, including his academic achievements and commitment to treatment programs. “There couldn’t be a more glowing review,” Evershed added, urging the court to consider his client’s progress in its decision.
Judge Johnson acknowledged Emiliano’s positive developments, noting that his efforts had not gone unnoticed. However, he ultimately ruled that Emiliano should be placed in a residential treatment facility rather than being allowed to return home. The judge noted that the treatment facility had an available bed for Emiliano, and he believed this option was appropriate given the case’s unique circumstances.
As the legal drama continues, attention is now focused on the alleged misconduct within the DA’s office. Evershed has indicated plans to seek an evidentiary hearing, where testimonies could be taken to further investigate the allegations against prosecutor Adrianna Davis and Detective Llil. A formal complaint has been filed against both Davis and District Attorney Sim Gill with the Utah Office of Professional Conduct. Christine Greenwood, Chief Disciplinary Counsel for the OPC, has declined to comment on the investigation at this time.
In a statement following the detention hearing, Evershed expressed his determination to continue advocating for Emiliano, stating, “Our written filings and verbal arguments in court speak for themselves. We look forward to continuing our vigorous advocacy for our 15-year-old client in court and are eager to help him get his life back.”
For his part, District Attorney Sim Gill issued a statement denying any wrongdoing, categorically denying that anyone in his office allowed the case to be compromised or an individual to be treated unfairly due to personal relationships.
As the case moves forward, the legal landscape surrounding Emiliano remains fluid, with both the allegations of prosecutorial misconduct and the ongoing determination of formal charges likely to play a central role in the proceedings.