2 women were ‘bonding over the beauty of a hike’ when they were killed in Utah, family says
2 Women Were ‘Bonding Over the Beauty of a Hike’ When They Were Killed in Utah, Family Says
On Friday, the relatives of Linda Dewey, 65, and Natalie Graves, 34, shared their grief after the two women were discovered deceased on a trail in Utah earlier this week. The family spokesperson expressed disbelief at the violent act, stating the women were “sharing a connection over the beauty of a hike in one of their favorite places on Earth — cherished by them and the community, considered to be a safe sanctuary.” The statement emphasized, “They were murdered. We cannot comprehend why this happened.”
Authorities have charged Ivan Miller, 22, with aggravated murder in the deaths of Dewey and Graves, which occurred Wednesday. The same charge was leveled in the fatal shooting of Margaret Oldroyd, 86, a separate victim unrelated to Dewey or Graves. Oldroyd’s relatives were not available for comment on Friday.
Details of the Alleged Crimes
According to charging documents filed Thursday, Miller, from Blakesburg, Iowa, confessed to the killings. He reportedly told investigators that “he did it because he needed money” after colliding with an elk in Loa, Utah, and selling his truck to a local tow company. He stayed at a hotel for several days before taking action.
Miller allegedly shot Oldroyd in the head as she sat watching television at her home in Lyman, then took her Buick. However, he later realized he disliked the car and proceeded to a nearby trail. There, he encountered Dewey and Graves, and shot them, the documents claim. He reportedly stabbed Dewey when she continued to move, before abandoning the Buick and taking a Subaru believed to belong to one of the victims.
The husbands of Dewey and Graves found their bodies near a trailhead and contacted law enforcement, according to the Utah Department of Public Safety. Miller was apprehended hundreds of miles away in Pagosa Springs, Colorado, after authorities traced a stolen key fob to his location.
Family’s Emotional Statement
“She was loved deeply and loved her family deeply,” the family statement said of Dewey. “She was the heart of our family.” Graves, described as a wife, daughter, and sister, was “adored by her many friends and extended family members. She was joy, sunshine and beauty embodied.” The family added, “We need time to mourn, love each other and be with our family and friends. We are at a loss for words that can describe what we are feeling and cannot publicly express our sadness and devastation at this time.”
Scott Van Zandt, a public defender representing Miller, noted during a court hearing that his client prefers not to speak to police or media. A representative for the Colorado State Public Defender did not respond to NBC News’ request for comment on Friday night.
