Eighteen years after a brutal and unprovoked attack in Neffs Canyon, Christopher Allen Hewitt faced the Utah Board of Pardons and Parole this week for the first time, expressing remorse for killing his friend and injuring another man during a drug-fueled episode in 2007.
Hewitt, now 36, pleaded guilty to murder and aggravated assault in the death of Benjamin Perkins-Link, 19, and the attack on Seth Coleman, also 19. The two friends were lured to the canyon under the guise of hanging out when Hewitt struck both with a 5-foot metal pole. Perkins-Link died at the scene; Coleman managed to escape.
According to court records, Hewitt was initially committed to the Utah State Hospital for treatment after being found mentally ill and later transferred to the Utah State Prison to serve a sentence of 15 years to life.
Recounting the Night of the Attack
During Tuesday’s hearing, Hewitt spoke haltingly as he recounted the events of August 31, 2007. He told the board he and Perkins-Link had used drugs together and that anger and delusional thoughts led him to violence.
“He asked to borrow my phone and made a call. It kind of made me mad,” Hewitt said. “I thought about hurting Ben because I was mad at him taking the phone. Then I thought, ‘Maybe crack does kill.’ And then I had the idea — what if I killed someone?”
Hewitt said that impulsive thought led him to take Perkins-Link and Coleman to Neffs Canyon, where the attack took place.
Survivor’s Emotional Testimony
Seth Coleman, who survived the assault, gave a powerful statement to the board describing the trauma he has carried for nearly two decades.
He recalled sitting on a rock with Perkins-Link, watching his friend begin to act like his old self again after years of recovery from a serious car crash. Moments later, Hewitt suddenly shouted “bears” and struck them with the pole.
“One of the most special moments I ever had with Ben was the moment before he was killed,” Coleman said. “I was so happy — and then everything changed. Hundreds of times each day, I replay that moment.”
Coleman told Hewitt directly that he no longer carries hatred toward him:
“Chris, I’m not beating you up anymore in my mind. I release you, man. You’ve got to live with your consequences, but I release you.”
A Father’s Pain That Hasn’t Faded
Donald Link, Perkins-Link’s father, also addressed the board, recalling the night officers arrived at his door to tell him his son had been murdered.
“I felt shocked, scared, and helpless,” he said. “I don’t believe there’s a reason Ben was killed. He didn’t deserve it, and it didn’t make sense to me. His death was violent and unnecessary.”
Link said he still struggles to accept what happened:
“I don’t hate Christopher Hewitt. I hate what he did to Ben and Seth. And I hate that we have to live with the consequences for the rest of our lives.”
Hewitt’s Apology and Rehabilitation
Speaking to the board, Hewitt said he has spent his years in prison reflecting on his actions and working to manage his mental health. He said anger management, victim impact, and drug abuse treatment programs have changed him.
“I’ve thought about it every day since I’ve been in prison,” he said. “I know what I did was uncalled for. Nobody did anything to deserve this. It was my problem. I’m sorry, Seth, for taking your friend away from you. And I’m sorry, Ben’s mom and dad, for taking away your only son.”
Hewitt added that he intends to continue taking prescribed medication and remain drug-free.
“Part of what I’ve done is not my fault, but what I did intentionally — that’s on me. I knew what I was doing, and I did it anyway.”
The Utah Board of Pardons and Parole will now deliberate and decide whether to grant Hewitt parole or schedule a future hearing.
