Suspect Accused of Murdering Three Women in Utah Claimed Killings 'Had to Be Done'

Ivan Miller, 22, allegedly killed the victims to steal their cars and credit cards to get back home to Iowa.

Published on Mar. 6, 2026

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A 22-year-old man named Ivan Miller has been accused of murdering three women in remote areas of Utah, including an 86-year-old woman and two female hikers. Miller allegedly told police the killings 'had to be done' so he could steal the victims' cars and credit cards to get back to his home in Iowa after his own truck broke down.

Why it matters

The brutal and seemingly random nature of these murders has shocked the local Utah community, raising concerns about public safety and the suspect's potential mental health issues. The case also highlights the risks that can come with hitchhiking or being alone in remote areas.

The details

According to charging documents, Miller's crime spree began when he said he struck an elk in a small Utah town and had to sell his truck to a towing company. He then allegedly broke into 86-year-old Margaret Oldroyd's home, shot her from behind as she watched TV, and stole her Buick. Miller later spotted two female hikers, Linda Dewey, 65, and Natalie Graves, 34, getting out of a Subaru, and he shot and stabbed them before hiding their bodies in a dry creek bed and stealing their car. Authorities were alerted after the hikers' husbands found their bodies.

  • On March 5, 2026, Miller was arrested in Colorado with a handgun and large knife.
  • The murders are alleged to have occurred earlier this week in Utah's south-central desert.

The players

Ivan Miller

A 22-year-old man accused of murdering three women in Utah, including an 86-year-old woman and two female hikers.

Margaret Oldroyd

An 86-year-old woman who was allegedly shot and killed by Miller in her home in Lyman, Utah.

Linda Dewey

A 65-year-old female hiker who was allegedly shot and stabbed by Miller.

Natalie Graves

A 34-year-old female hiker who was allegedly shot and stabbed by Miller.

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What they’re saying

“I didn't want to kill them, but it had to be done.”

— Ivan Miller

What’s next

Investigators are still searching for a motive behind the killings, but believe Miller targeted the victims solely for 'convenience' in order to steal their vehicles and money.

The takeaway

This tragic case highlights the dangers that can arise from random acts of violence, and the importance of community vigilance and mental health support to prevent such senseless loss of life.