The devastated families of two women brutally murdered while hiking on their beloved trail have broken their silence, expressing profound grief and incomprehension. Linda Dewey, aged 65, and her niece Natalie Graves, aged 34, were allegedly killed by 22-year-old Ivan Miller on Wednesday near Capitol Reef National Park in Utah, a location they cherished for its natural beauty.
A Sanctuary Shattered by Violence
Miller was apprehended the following day in Colorado and has reportedly confessed to the killings. Investigators state that he claimed to have shot the women to steal their vehicles and money, turning a peaceful hiking spot into a scene of horror.
In a statement obtained by KSL, the family conveyed their anguish: '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. They were murdered. We cannot comprehend why this happened.'
Remembering the Victims
The two women, who adored hiking in Wayne County, home to some of Utah's most stunning vistas, were tragically gunned down at the Cockscomb Trailhead. The family's tribute to Dewey honors the 65-year-old as 'a wife, mother, grandmother, daughter, sister and had many extended family members and friends all over the world. She was loved deeply and loved her family deeply. She was the heart of our family.'
Linda Dewey was killed alongside her niece on Wednesday as she exited her car. Natalie Graves was shot dead at the Cockscomb Trail car park near Torrey, Utah, during a visit to her aunt and uncle.
In a poignant statement for Graves, the family remembers her as 'a wife, daughter and sister, adored by her many friends and extended family members. She was joy, sunshine and beauty embodied.' They added that they need time to mourn, noting that words cannot describe the devastation they are experiencing.
A Third Victim Discovered
The horrific discovery of the two women's bodies also led police to a third victim, 86-year-old Margaret Oldroyd. Oldroyd's next-door neighbor, Randy Jones, expressed shock at her death, describing her as 'the sweetest woman you'd ever meet,' according to the Associated Press.
The 86-year-old's body was found in her Lyman, Wayne County, home. Court documents allege that Miller shot her in the head, dragged her to the basement, and attempted to clean up the crime scene. The 22-year-old stole Oldroyd's Buick but decided he 'did not like the car' and began searching for a different vehicle.
Details of the Attack
Authorities report that Miller then spotted Dewey and Graves at a trailhead outside Capitol Reef National Park as they got out of a white Subaru. Miller approached the pair and allegedly shot Graves in the chest. He then allegedly shot Dewey twice and 'stabbed her multiple times in the heart' after she continued moving, according to prosecutors.
Court documents indicate that Miller stole their car, took their credit cards, and used the older hiker's card to purchase gas. The two women were gunned down at the head of the Cockscomb Trail moments after exiting their vehicle, with Miller allegedly dragging their bodies into a dry creek bed.
Legal Proceedings Underway
The 22-year-old has been charged with three counts of first-degree felony murder and has set his next Colorado court date for May 14, as reported by KUTV. This case has sent shockwaves through the rural Utah community, highlighting the vulnerability of even the most serene locations.
The families' tributes underscore the deep personal loss, while the investigation reveals a chilling sequence of events that has left a trail of grief across Wayne County. As the legal process unfolds, the community grapples with the aftermath of these senseless acts of violence.
