Suspect Arrested in Killings of 3 Women in Utah

Authorities say the suspect, Ivan Miller, allegedly killed a woman, stole her vehicle, and then killed two hikers at a nearby trailhead.

Published on Mar. 5, 2026

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A 22-year-old man from Iowa named Ivan Miller has been arrested and accused of killing three women in southern Utah. Authorities say Miller killed a woman in her home, stole her vehicle, and then drove to a nearby trailhead where he allegedly killed two women who were hiking together. Miller was later apprehended in Colorado after authorities used license plate readers and vehicle tracking to follow his path.

Why it matters

This case has shaken the small rural communities in southern Utah, raising concerns about public safety and the motives behind the killings. Authorities are still investigating the suspect's background and timeline to determine if the victims were targeted or if the killings were crimes of opportunity.

The details

According to officials, Miller allegedly killed a woman at her home in Lyman, Utah, stole her vehicle, and then drove to a nearby trailhead near Capitol Reef National Park. At the trailhead, he is accused of killing two women who were hiking together. The husbands of the hikers alerted authorities after finding one of the victim's vehicles missing from the trailhead. Authorities were able to track Miller's movements through Colorado using license plate readers and vehicle tracking before he abandoned the stolen car in Pagosa Springs.

  • The killings occurred late Wednesday afternoon.
  • Authorities were alerted to the crimes on Thursday morning.
  • Miller was arrested in Pagosa Springs, Colorado, on Thursday.

The players

Ivan Miller

A 22-year-old man from Blakesburg, Iowa, who has been arrested and accused of killing three women in southern Utah.

Capitol Reef National Park

A national park in southern Utah near where the two hikers were killed.

Wayne County

The county in Utah where the first victim lived and was killed.

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What they’re saying

“Authorities were combing the site Thursday that is partially shielded from a paved road by piñon and juniper trees, and other vegetation. The trail used mostly by locals winds through rock formations.”

— Lt. Cameron Roden, Utah Highway Patrol (wral.com)

“There is no indication that Miller had any connection to the victims. Investigators were still looking into when he arrived in Utah and what he was doing prior to the killings.”

— Lt. Cameron Roden, Utah Highway Patrol (wral.com)

What’s next

Miller is scheduled to make his first court appearance in Colorado on Friday afternoon. Authorities continue to investigate the suspect's timeline and motives for the killings.

The takeaway

This tragic case highlights the need for vigilance and awareness in rural communities, even those near popular tourist destinations. It also raises questions about the suspect's background and mental state, and whether there were any warning signs that could have prevented these senseless killings.