Iowa Man Charged in Utah Triple Homicide

22-year-old admits to killing three 'random' women during cross-country trip

Published on Mar. 11, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A 22-year-old Iowa man has been charged with the murders of three Utah women during a cross-country trip. Ivan Miller admitted to killing Natalie Graves, 34, Linda Dewey, 65, and Margaret Oldroyd, 86, citing money problems as the reason. Miller allegedly shot the victims in separate incidents before stealing their vehicles.

Why it matters

The killings have shocked the small Utah community, raising questions about the suspect's motives and mental state. The case also highlights the vulnerability of rural areas and national parks to random acts of violence.

The details

According to court documents, Miller told police he 'had not liked to do it,' but he needed money to return to Iowa, so 'it had to be done.' Investigators say Miller killed Oldroyd at her home, then drove to Capitol Reef National Park where he shot Graves and her aunt Dewey. He allegedly stole the victims' vehicles to continue his cross-country trip before being apprehended in Colorado.

  • On March 4, the bodies of Graves and Dewey were discovered by their husbands on a dry creek bed at Capitol Reef National Park.
  • On the same day, Oldroyd's body was found in her Lyman home, 20 minutes from the park trailhead.
  • Around 2:45am on March 5, police found Miller loitering near Graves and Dewey's abandoned vehicle in Pagosa Springs, Colorado.

The players

Ivan Miller

A 22-year-old Iowa resident charged with three counts of aggravated murder in the deaths of the three Utah women.

Natalie Graves

A 34-year-old Utah resident who was killed by Miller in Capitol Reef National Park.

Linda Dewey

The 65-year-old aunt of Natalie Graves, who was also killed by Miller in Capitol Reef National Park.

Margaret Oldroyd

An 86-year-old Utah resident who was killed by Miller at her home in Lyman.

Burke Torgerson

The mayor of Lyman, Utah, who said the killings left the community in shock as one of the victims, Margaret Oldroyd, was his cousin.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What’s next

Miller is currently in custody and is expected to face trial for the three murders.

The takeaway

This tragic case highlights the need for better mental health resources and support systems to prevent such senseless acts of violence, especially in rural communities that may be more vulnerable to random attacks.