Iowa Man Charged with Triple Murder in Utah
A 22-year-old Iowa man, Ivan W. Miller, has been charged with three counts of aggravated murder in connection with the deaths of three women in Wayne County, Utah. The victims, identified as Margaret Oldroyd, 86, Linda Dewey, 65, and Natalie Graves, 34, were found deceased following incidents on Wednesday, May 29.
Miller was apprehended in Pagosa Springs, Colorado, after a multi-state search involving a vehicle stolen from one of the victims. Authorities have stated there is no ongoing threat to public safety.
Investigation and Discovery
The investigation commenced Wednesday afternoon when emergency dispatchers received a report of two deceased women found on the Cockscomb Trail, located between Torrey and Teasdale in Wayne County. During the subsequent investigation, a third woman was located deceased inside a residence in Lyman.
Authorities later identified the victims as Margaret Oldroyd, 86; Linda Dewey, 65; and Natalie Graves, 34. Linda Dewey and Natalie Graves, who were family members, were reportedly killed while hiking. Margaret Oldroyd was killed at her home.
Investigators have not found evidence linking Oldroyd to Dewey and Graves. The cause of death for the victims has not been publicly disclosed by all agencies, though charging documents indicate the use of a firearm and a knife.
Suspect and Alleged Actions
Ivan W. Miller, 22, of Blakesburg, Iowa, was identified as the suspect. According to charging documents, Miller provided an account of the events to investigators.
He allegedly entered Margaret Oldroyd's home, waited for her, and then shot her in the back of the head. He then reportedly moved her body to a shed's basement and took her car. Miller stated he was dissatisfied with Oldroyd's car and abandoned it near the Cockscomb Trailhead.
At the trailhead, Miller allegedly encountered Linda Dewey and Natalie Graves. He shot one, and then shot and stabbed the second. He admitted to moving their bodies to a ditch, taking their credit cards, and using one for gas.
Miller allegedly stated his intent was to return to Iowa and that the killings "had to be done" to steal their cars. Prosecutors report Miller had no prior connection to the victims or the Wayne County area.
Multi-State Search and Arrest
The two hikers were discovered by their husbands when they failed to return home. Law enforcement subsequently found Oldroyd's stolen vehicle nearby, which led them to her home where her body was located in a cellar under a shed.
Investigators tracked a vehicle stolen from one of the hikers, identified as a 2022 white Subaru Outback with Utah license plate U560YF, across multiple states. The search extended from southern Utah through northern Arizona, New Mexico, and into Pagosa Springs, Colorado.
The vehicle was found abandoned in Pagosa Springs, where Colorado law enforcement located and arrested Miller on Thursday without incident. Upon his arrest, Miller was found to be in possession of a concealed handgun, a large knife, and bank cards belonging to the victims.
Multiple agencies were involved in the investigation and search, including the Wayne County Sheriff's Office, Utah Department of Public Safety (including the State Bureau of Investigation and Crime Lab), and the FBI.
Community Response and Closures
Prior to Miller's arrest, Wayne County residents were advised to remain indoors, lock their doors, and keep lights on. In response to the incidents, the Wayne County School District canceled classes for Thursday and Friday. The district also announced that counselors would be available to support students upon their return the following week.
The Wayne County Courthouse in Loa, along with the Wayne Community Health Center and Kazan Memorial Clinic, also announced closures for Thursday.
Authorities have confirmed that there are no ongoing threats to the public and no other suspects are being sought in connection with the case. The Utah State Bureau of Investigation and the Utah Crime Lab are continuing to process two crime scenes in the Lyman and Torrey areas as the investigation remains active.
Suspect's Prior Record
Miller was scheduled to appear in an Iowa courtroom on charges including theft, burglary, and marijuana possession. These charges stem from a December incident where he was reportedly found living in a state park cabin with multiple firearms. He had also been cited by Alaska wildlife troopers months prior for operating a vessel without personal flotation devices.