An Iowa man is in custody after three Wayne County, Utah, women were found dead in two separate locations, leading Wayne County law enforcement to take extra precautions, like locking doors, remaining at home or with others, and being vigilant about surroundings.
According to the Utah Department of Public Safety, on Wednesday, March 4, 2026, Wayne County Sheriff’s Deputies responded to a call of two deceased females on a hiking trail in the area. At some point in the investigation, a third female was found dead at a Wayne County residence. Utah officials provided no further victim information at that time, other than that the victims were in their 30s, 40s, and 80s.
“We’re asking for the public’s assistance in locating a 2022 white Subaru Outback with license plate U560YF. Please report tips to siac.utah.gov or dial 911, and do not approach the vehicle,” the Utah Department of Public Safety said in a press release.
The Wayne County murders arrest
The next day, March 5, authorities announced Ivan Miller, a 22-year-old man from Blakesburg, Iowa, was detained in connection with the deaths, according to local news outlet KUTV. The New York Times reports that the suspect was tracked from southern Utah through northern Arizona and into Colorado, where police arrested him after Miller reportedly abandoned his vehicle.
Authorities said there were no other suspects in the case and no further threat to the public. Utah law enforcement says there’s no known connection between Miller and the victims. Law enforcement has not determined why Miller was in the area.
According to KUTV, Lt. Cameron Roden of the Utah police said a motive has not yet been determined, and the murders do not appear to be targeted attacks.
According to Roden, Miller allegedly killed one woman in her Lyman, Utah home, stole her car, and then drove to the hiking area where the other two women were found dead. Miller is accused of abandoning the first car near where the other women were killed, stealing one of their cars, and then fleeing the area. Roden said their husbands discovered their bodies and then called the police.
Wayne County schools also closed
Wayne County is a sparsely populated outdoor tourist destination, popular with hikers, and is near several national parks, including Canyonlands National Park and Capitol Reef National Park. Moab Valley, another highly-trafficked spot for outdoor recreation, is about 120 miles to the east.
Before Miller was apprehended, Wayne County schools announced they would close for two days in a statement on social media. “Due to unfolding events in the county, out of an abundance of caution and concern for student and public safety, schools will be closed tomorrow and Friday. We will also have counselors in place to support students when we are back in session next week. We will communicate updates as things unfold,” the district said.
Published: Mar 5, 2026 04:05 pm