Iowa Man Arrested for Killing 3 Utah Women at Random

Victims targeted only for their vehicles, police say

Published on Mar. 5, 2026

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An Iowa man has been arrested in Colorado following an intense manhunt and accused of killing three women at random in southern Utah. The victims appear to have been targeted only because the suspect, Ivan Miller, 22, wanted to take their vehicles. Miller is believed to have first gone to the home of an elderly woman in Lyman, killed her, and taken her car. He then drove about 15 miles to a hiking trailhead near Torrey and killed two more women in their 30s and 40s, taking their car as well.

Why it matters

This case highlights the dangers of random, senseless violence and the vulnerability of rural communities. The lack of any prior connection between the suspect and victims raises concerns about the potential for similar random attacks, and the ability of law enforcement to prevent such crimes.

The details

According to authorities, Miller first went to the home of an elderly woman in Lyman, killed her, and took her car. He then drove about 15 miles to a hiking trailhead near Torrey, where he killed two more women in their 30s and 40s who were hiking, and took their car as well. The manner of deaths for each victim has not yet been revealed, and investigators are still determining how Miller gained access to the elderly woman's home.

  • On Wednesday, the three women were found dead at two different locations in Wayne County.
  • Around 11:10 PM on Wednesday, Colorado police were notified that the stolen vehicle wanted in connection with the three killings in Utah was in their area.
  • Around 2:40 AM on Thursday, Miller was located and detained in Pagosa Springs, Colorado.

The players

Ivan Miller

A 22-year-old man from Blakesburg, Iowa, who is accused of randomly killing three women in southern Utah in order to steal their vehicles.

Utah Department of Public Safety

The state agency leading the investigation into the three killings.

Pagosa Springs Police

The Colorado law enforcement agency that located and detained Miller after he was tracked through southern Utah, northern Arizona, and into southern Colorado.

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What they’re saying

“There's nothing to suggest they were targeted specifically. Other than just for convenience.”

— Cameron Roden, Lieutenant, Utah Highway Patrol (deseret.com)

What’s next

Formal charges are being prepared in Utah so Miller can be extradited back to Wayne County to face prosecution.

The takeaway

This tragic case underscores the need for increased vigilance and security measures, especially in rural areas, to protect vulnerable residents from random acts of violence. It also highlights the importance of robust interstate cooperation and information-sharing between law enforcement agencies to apprehend dangerous suspects who cross state lines.