Identities Revealed in Shocking Wayne County Triple Homicide: Suspect Confesses to Killings for Cars and Cash

By Perplexity News Staff | March 6, 2026

TORREY, Utah — Authorities have released the names of three women found dead in a brutal triple homicide in remote Wayne County, Utah, as details emerge about the 22-year-old suspect who allegedly fled across state lines in one of the victim’s vehicles.

The victims were identified as 86-year-old Margaret Oldroyd, 65-year-old Linda Dewey, and 34-year-old Naralie Graves. Dewey and Graves, aunt and niece, were discovered deceased at a trailhead near Teasedale Road and Cocks Comb south of Torrey by their husbands, who grew concerned after the women failed to return from a hike.[2][3]

During the investigation, deputies traced an abandoned vehicle — a 2022 white Subaru Outback with Utah license plate U56 0YF belonging to Oldroyd — to a residence in Lyman, where they found her body suffering from a gunshot wound.[1][2][4]

Suspect Tracked to Colorado After Multi-State Manhunt

The suspect, Ivan Miller, a 22-year-old from Blakesburg, Iowa, was arrested without incident early Thursday morning in Pagosa Springs, Colorado. Miller had no prior relationship with the victims or ties to the area, according to Utah Highway Patrol Lt. Cameron Roden.[1][2][3]

Colorado law enforcement found Miller in possession of a concealed gun and a large knife upon his arrest.[1] Investigators tracked the Subaru from southern Utah through northern Arizona into Colorado, where it was abandoned.[3][4]

Wayne County residents were urged to lock doors, stay indoors, and keep lights on during the manhunt. Schools and government offices in the area were closed Thursday as a precaution.[1][4]

Chilling Confession: Killings for Cars and Money

Miller has been charged with aggravated murder. In a startling admission, he reportedly confessed to the killings, stating he targeted the women for their cars and money. He allegedly dragged the bodies and claimed, “I didn’t like to do it, but that it ‘had to be done.'”[1][2]

Investigation Details and Community Impact

The incident unfolded Wednesday afternoon when emergency dispatchers received a call about two women found dead on a hiking trail. The case was described as “a homicide with multiple crime scenes.” One victim was in her 30s, one in her 60s, and one in her 80s, spanning generations in this tight-knit rural community.[1][3]

Officials from the Utah Department of Public Safety confirmed two victims were family — Dewey and Graves — while Oldroyd was unrelated. A motive beyond the suspect’s alleged financial gain has not been established, and his criminal background is under review.[2][3]

“As this remains an active investigation, there are no ongoing threats to the public,” stated a Utah DPS release. No additional suspects are being sought.[4]

Broader Context in Rural Utah Crime

Wayne County, with its stunning red rock landscapes and population under 3,000, is unaccustomed to such violence. The triple homicide has stunned locals, prompting heightened vigilance. The manhunt involved multiple agencies across Utah, Arizona, and Colorado, showcasing inter-state cooperation.[1][4]

Residents in Torrey and surrounding areas reported unease during the search. “We were told to lock doors and stay inside — it’s not something you expect here,” said one anonymous local.[1]

Victims in Wayne County Triple Homicide

Name	Age	Location Found	Relation
Margaret Oldroyd	86	Home in Lyman	Unrelated
Linda Dewey	65	Trailhead near Torrey	Aunt
Naralie Graves	34	Trailhead near Torrey	Niece

Next Steps in the Case

Miller faces extradition to Utah, where he will be formally arraigned. Autopsies are pending to confirm causes of death, though Oldroyd’s was ruled a gunshot wound. Investigators continue processing multiple scenes in Torrey and Lyman.[2]

The community mourns the loss of three women whose lives were cut short in a seemingly random act of violence. Counseling services have been offered to affected families and residents.

This story is developing. Updates will be provided as new information becomes available from official sources.