WAYNE COUNTY UTAH, A 22-year-old man from Iowa is accused of killing three women in two separate incidents in rural Utah in what authorities say was an attempt to obtain money and transportation to return home.
According to prosecutors and law enforcement officials, Ivan Miller of Blakesburg, Iowa allegedly shot and killed three women in Wayne County, Utah, prompting a multi-state manhunt across the western United States.
Investigators say Miller first killed 86-year-old Margaret Oldroyd of Lyman, Utah. Authorities allege he then stole her Buick and drove it to a nearby trailhead.
Court documents state Miller had been staying in a shed on Oldroyd’s property after his own vehicle became unusable when he struck an elk several days earlier. After selling the damaged truck to a tow company, investigators say he was left without transportation.
Prosecutors allege Miller shot Oldroyd inside her home before taking her vehicle. However, according to investigators, he later decided he wanted a different vehicle.
Authorities say Miller parked the Buick near a trailhead and encountered two women who had arrived in a Subaru. Prosecutors allege he shot and killed the women before stealing their vehicle.
The victims were identified as Natalie Graves, 34, and Linda Dewey, 65, who were niece and aunt. Officials said the two had traveled to the area for a hike.
When the women failed to return, their husbands went to the trailhead to search for them and discovered their bodies, prompting a call to authorities.
Investigators allege the suspect attempted to conceal the victims’ bodies in a dry creek bed.
The killings triggered a large search involving multiple law enforcement agencies. Investigators used license plate reader data and vehicle tracking technology to follow Miller’s movements from Utah through northern Arizona and into Colorado.
Authorities said the stolen Subaru was eventually found abandoned near Pagosa Springs, Colorado.
After a brief search, officers located and arrested Miller. Officials said he was allegedly armed with a large knife and a .45-caliber pistol at the time of his arrest.
According to investigators, Miller had credit and debit cards belonging to the victims along with one of their identification cards when he was taken into custody. Authorities say he admitted using one of the cards to purchase gasoline while attempting to travel back to Iowa.
Charging documents state Miller told investigators the killings “had to be done,” although he reportedly said he did not want to do it.
Investigators said the victims did not know the suspect and believe the attacks were random.
Records reviewed by investigators also indicate Miller had a criminal history in Iowa that included charges filed on December 28, 2025, for burglary, theft, possession of marijuana, and a weapons offense.
Miller is scheduled to make his first court appearance Friday afternoon as the investigation continues.
