Utah Triple Murder Suspect Confesses to Brutal Slayings
In a chilling development from Utah, a 22-year-old suspect has been taken into custody and allegedly confessed to the murders of three women across two separate crime scenes. Ivan Miller, originally from Blakesburg, Iowa, faces three counts of aggravated murder following a multi-state investigation that ended with his capture in Colorado.
Details of the Tragic Crimes
According to charging documents filed in Utah's Sixth District Court, Miller provided authorities with disturbing details about the killings. He reportedly told investigators that he shot the women with a .45-caliber handgun and stabbed one victim multiple times. When questioned about his motives, Miller allegedly stated that he "needed money" and that the killings "had to be done," though he claimed he "did not like to do it."
The investigation began on Wednesday afternoon when dispatch received a call about two deceased females discovered on a hiking trail near the Cocks Comb Trailhead area. The victims were identified as 65-year-old Linda Dewey and her 34-year-old niece Natalie Graves, both found on the trail. During the subsequent investigation, authorities located a third victim, 86-year-old Margaret Oldroyd, deceased at a residence in Wayne County.
Tracking the Alleged Killer's Movements
Miller's alleged confession paints a grim picture of his actions leading up to and following the murders. He told authorities that he spent the night before the killings inside a shed in Lyman, Utah, before entering a woman's home and hiding until she sat down to watch television. He then allegedly shot her, dragged her body into the basement, and took her Buick vehicle.
Dissatisfied with the Buick, Miller reportedly parked near a hiking trail where he observed two women exiting a white Subaru. He allegedly shot both women, then stabbed the older victim multiple times in the heart because she continued to move. After dumping their bodies in a ditch, Miller stole their credit cards to purchase gas.
Investigation and Capture
Law enforcement's breakthrough came when they found one of the victim's vehicles abandoned in Pagosa Springs, Colorado. This discovery led to Miller's capture early Thursday morning without incident. He remains in Colorado awaiting extradition to Utah to face charges.
Investigators were able to track Miller using the stolen Subaru's key fob technology. When they identified Oldroyd as the vehicle's owner and conducted a welfare check at her home, they discovered blood in her front room and drag marks leading out of the house. The documents detail that "it appeared the female was moved using a wheelbarrow."
Previous Criminal History
Court records reveal that Miller had previous encounters with law enforcement. He was booked into the Davis County, Iowa, jail on December 31 on charges including felony burglary, misdemeanor theft, marijuana possession, and unlawfully possessing a weapon. These previous charges add context to the current investigation into the triple homicide.
Ongoing Investigation
The Utah Department of Public Safety continues to investigate the triple homicide with assistance from multiple agencies. The case has drawn significant attention due to the brutality of the crimes and the suspect's alleged confession detailing his motives and methods.
As Miller awaits extradition and formal proceedings begin, authorities emphasize that their investigation remains active and ongoing. The tragic loss of three lives has left communities in Utah and beyond grappling with the senseless violence described in the charging documents.
