A 22-year-old man now facing charges for the deaths of three Utah women had been walking free despite previous arrests in Iowa for cabin break-ins and illegal hunting violations, according to court records.
Ivan Miller was released on his own recognizance in January following his Iowa arrest, with authorities requiring only his promise to return for future court proceedings.
However, Miller failed to show up for his scheduled Friday arraignment because he was being held in a southern Colorado jail, where law enforcement had apprehended him driving one of the allegedly stolen vehicles.
Colorado’s public defender’s office is now representing Miller. Justin Bogan, who oversees the office in the judicial district covering Pagosa Springs, refused to provide comment on Thursday.
In Utah’s remote desert landscape, loved ones of the deceased women are grappling with what law enforcement has characterized as crimes of opportunity.
According to court filings detailing investigative interviews, Miller explained to authorities that he took the women’s vehicles and financial cards because he required means to travel back to Iowa.
Two of the victims were discovered by their spouses near a hiking trail after the women failed to return from their desert excursion. The third victim, described as a devout woman who took pride in maintaining her property, was located close to her residence.
Utah Department of Public Safety Lt. Cameron Roden stated that investigators found no evidence linking Miller to any of the three victims prior to the alleged crimes.
Miller’s movements in the days leading up to the killings show a pattern of transience. Shortly before the murders, he collided with an elk while driving through the town of Loa.
Following the accident, Miller sold his pickup to a towing company, leaving him without transportation. After several nights in local accommodations, he allegedly took shelter in a storage building belonging to 86-year-old Margaret Oldroyd in Lyman, Utah, near Torrey and Capitol Reef National Park.
Authorities discovered Oldroyd’s Buick on Wednesday at a trailhead approximately 10 miles from her rural home among the area’s farms and ranches. Miller allegedly confessed to investigators that he observed two women exiting a Subaru at that location, killed them, and stole their vehicle.
The victims at the trailhead were identified as Linda Dewey, 65, and her niece Natalie Graves, 34. Their bodies were located in a dried creek bed near the trail, which locals frequently use. Their husbands contacted emergency services and flagged down a park ranger.
“Our family is dealing with the shock of the devastating loss of two members of our family who were bonding 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 family of Dewey and Graves said in a statement. “They were murdered. We cannot comprehend why this happened.”
The family portrayed Dewey as a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, daughter and sister with extensive family connections and friendships worldwide.
“She was loved deeply and loved her family deeply. She was the heart of our family,” their statement said.
Regarding Graves, described as a wife, daughter and sister, the family called her “joy, sunshine and beauty embodied.”
Investigators traced the Buick back to Oldroyd, whose remains were discovered in a basement area beneath the shed on her property.
Neighboring resident Randy Jones expressed disbelief over the death of someone he called “the sweetest woman you’d ever meet.” He noted her dedication to maintaining her flowers and lawn in pristine condition.
Jones recalled that Oldroyd previously worked at a neighborhood grocery store handling inventory. When he assisted her with removing skunks from her yard, she would show appreciation by baking him a cake.
“Out here in rural counties, we all take care of each other,” Jones said.
According to Jones, Oldroyd rarely ventured from home in recent years except for church attendance and grocery shopping. Occasionally, she would visit him and his horses.
Wayne County prosecutors allege Miller shot Oldroyd from behind while she watched television, then stole her vehicle.
Following the discovery of the bodies, law enforcement conducted a widespread search throughout the Four Corners region for Miller.
His route took him through northern Arizona and northwestern New Mexico before authorities apprehended him in Pagosa Springs, a Colorado resort community famous for its hot springs along the San Juan River.
Court documents indicate Miller told investigators he killed the two women after deciding he disliked driving the Buick and stole bank cards because he needed funds for his return trip to Iowa.
Miller’s Iowa charges include felony second-degree burglary and misdemeanor theft, marijuana possession and firearms possession, with his Friday arraignment now missed. A January 13 court order shows he was released without posting bail based solely on his agreement to appear.
His Iowa arrest occurred after park rangers at a southern Iowa state facility entered a cabin on December 31 to prepare it for incoming guests.
Rangers found the entrance unlocked, food items on counters, a pan containing bacon grease on the stove, a container holding several marijuana cigarettes, and loaded firearms including a bolt-action rifle with bayonet attachment and an AR-10 equipped with scope and bipod, according to arrest documents.
The occupant had also installed a television, Xbox gaming system and Starlink internet equipment, indicating “intent to stay for a long period of time” at Lake Wapello State Park, according to the affidavit filed by the two rangers.
The document states Miller arrived while rangers were present, knocked quietly and quickly acknowledged breaking into the cabin three days earlier while seeking warm shelter.
The prosecutor’s office handling Miller’s Iowa case declined Friday to discuss the matter, including whether Iowa authorities would allow Utah officials to pursue their more serious charges first. A voicemail was left Friday for his Iowa public defender.
