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
Linda Dewey’s family, along with her niece Natalie Graves, expressed their disbelief regarding the tragic deaths that occurred earlier this week on a Utah trail, attributed to a stranger seeking financial gain. The pair was discovered lifeless in South Central Utah, sparking a community outpouring of sorrow. A family representative shared their grief, emphasizing that the women were “sharing the serene beauty of a hike in a beloved natural area, cherished by both the women and the community as a peaceful retreat.”
“They were murdered,” the spokesperson added. “We cannot comprehend why this happened.”
Authorities have charged Ivan Miller, 22, with aggravated murder in connection to the deaths of Dewey and Graves, as well as Margaret Oldroyd, 86, who was not related to the victims. The bodies of the three women were found at two separate locations in the region. Charging documents filed Thursday indicate that Miller confessed to the killings, claiming he acted out of necessity after hitting an elk in Loa, Utah, selling his truck to a local tow company, and staying at a hotel for several days.
According to the documents, Miller described his actions as follows: he shot Oldroyd in the head while she watched television at her home in Lyman, then realized he disliked the Buick she owned. He then drove to a nearby trail, where he encountered Dewey and Graves. After shooting them, he allegedly stabbed Dewey when she continued to move. The Buick was later abandoned, and Miller took a Subaru, which belonged to either Dewey or Graves.
“He did it because he needed money,” Miller reportedly told authorities, according to the statement. He used the stolen key fob to track his movements, leading to his arrest in Pagosa Springs, Colorado, hundreds of miles from the scene.
The husbands of Dewey and Graves found their bodies near a trailhead and contacted law enforcement. Scott Van Zandt, Miller’s public defender, stated during a court hearing that his client remains silent toward police and media. A representative for the Colorado State Public Defender did not respond to NBC News’ request for comment on Friday night.
In a heartfelt family statement, Dewey was portrayed as a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and sister with a global extended family. “She was loved deeply and loved her family deeply,” the statement noted. “She was the heart of our family.” Similarly, Graves was described as a cherished wife, daughter, and sister, adored by her many friends and relatives. “She was joy, sunshine and beauty embodied,” the statement said.
“We need time to mourn, love each other and be with our family and friends,” the family added. “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.”
Tim Stelloh is a breaking news reporter for NBC News Digital. Insiya Gandhi is an NBC News researcher.
