Rackley had contacted the police before the incident concerning threats from her ex-boyfriend, and she was ineligible to acquire a protective order because of the nature of their relationship.

Rackley lived near Brookwood Elementary School and her estranged husband had moved to a different residence in Sandy.

[8] In the following days, Patterson sent private Instagram posts to Rackley with memes and messages which threatened her and accused her of keeping their relationship a secret.

[9] On June 5, Patterson told his sister, mother, and one of his friends that he wanted to kill or hurt Rackley and her sons.

[16] The police in Draper and Sandy said the incident caused them to review their procedures for handling 9-1-1 calls and domestic violence cases.

[17] In early January 2018, Senator Todd Weiler and Representative Angela Romero introduced legislation which would make anyone who has had a sexual relationship eligible to acquire a protective order, which could expire over time.

[19][20] In early March 2018, Utah senators revised the bill to allow confiscated weapons in stalking cases to be returned.