2 women were ‘bonding over the beauty of a hike’ when they were killed in Utah, family says
Utah Family Shares Heartbreaking Account of Two Women Killed During Hike
The relatives of Linda Dewey, 65, and Natalie Graves, 34, revealed Friday that the two were “bonding over the beauty of a hike” in one of their favorite spots when they were fatally attacked by a stranger. The family spokesperson described the women as cherished by the community and considered a safe sanctuary, emphasizing their deep connection to the trail. “They were murdered,” the statement added, expressing the family’s disbelief at the tragedy.
Authorities Charge Ivan Miller in Double Homicide
Ivan Miller, 22, has been indicted for aggravated murder in the deaths of Dewey and Graves, who were slain on Wednesday. The same charge applies to Margaret Oldroyd, 86, another victim whose family could not be contacted for comment. According to court filings, Miller confessed to the killings, citing financial desperation as his motive. He claimed to have hit an elk in Loa, Utah, sold his truck to a local towing service, and stayed at a hotel for several days before the incident.
Details of the Attack and Confession
Charging documents allege that Miller shot Oldroyd in the head as she sat watching television at home in Lyman. After taking her Buick, he reportedly grew tired of the car and drove to a nearby trail, where he encountered Dewey and Graves. The women were shot, and Miller claimed to have stabbed Dewey when she continued moving. He then left the Buick behind and used a Subaru, believed to belong to either Dewey or Graves.
Family Statement Honors the Victims
“She was loved deeply and loved her family deeply,” the family statement said of Dewey, highlighting her role as a wife, mother, grandmother, and sister with a global network of relatives. Graves, described as a devoted wife, daughter, and sister, was “adored by her many friends and extended family members. She was joy, sunshine, and beauty embodied.” The family requested time to grieve and be with loved ones, stating they could not yet express their sorrow publicly.
The husbands of Dewey and Graves discovered their bodies near a trailhead and notified law enforcement, according to the Utah Department of Public Safety. Miller was apprehended in Pagosa Springs, Colorado, after authorities traced a stolen key fob. His public defender, Scott Van Zandt, noted that his client declined to comment with the media during a court hearing. A representative for the Colorado State Public Defender did not respond to NBC News’ inquiry on Friday night.
Summary of the Case
The three women’s bodies were found at separate locations in South Central Utah. Miller’s confession centers on his need for money, as he recounted hitting an elk, selling his truck, and staying at a hotel prior to the attacks. The tragic events have left the family grappling with loss, unable to fully grasp the motive behind the violence.
