Massachusetts woman killed in triple homicide remembered as “full of love, compassion and creativity”; online fundraiser created

In a tragic incident that has shaken the rural communities of southern Utah, authorities have identified through a press release the three victims of a triple homicide in Wayne County as Margaret Oldroyd, 86, Linda Dewey, 65, and Natalie Graves, 34. Dewey and Graves, who were aunt and niece, were discovered deceased near a trailhead while on a hike. Graves and her husband are from Easthampton, Massachusetts. At this time, investigators have found no evidence linking these two women to the third victim, Margaret Oldroyd, whose death was uncovered during the subsequent probe.

“Our thoughts remain with the families and the community as they navigate this profound loss,” stated officials from the Utah Department of Public Safety.

The sequence of events unfolded rapidly over a few days in late February and early March 2026, culminating in the arrest of suspect Ivan Miller.

On February 28th, Miller’s personal vehicle was disabled after colliding with an elk in the Wayne County area, potentially stranding him and setting the stage for the subsequent crimes.

By March 4th at 4:25 p.m., the Wayne County Emergency Communications Center received a distressing call from the husbands of Dewey and Graves, who had found their wives’ bodies near Teasdale Road and Cocks Comb. Law enforcement quickly confirmed the double homicide and spotted a suspicious vehicle abandoned nearby, registered to a Lyman address. Further investigation revealed that Oldroyd’s Subaru Outback had been stolen.

That evening, officers visited the Lyman residence and discovered Oldroyd deceased, elevating the case to a triple homicide. By nightfall, using Automated License Plate Readers and real-time tracking, authorities monitored Miller as he fled through southern Utah into Colorado.

In the early hours of March 5th, a multi-agency operation converged on Pagosa Springs, Colorado, where the stolen vehicle was recovered, and Miller was apprehended. Later that afternoon, agents retrieved the vehicle and served an arrest warrant for the Utah homicides.

Investigators pieced together the case quickly, relying on advanced technology and inter-agency cooperation. The stolen Subaru Outback was located through ALPR systems and its built-in theft recovery tracking, allowing for real-time monitoring of Miller’s movements.

Miller, who is not a Utah resident, was confirmed to have been driving in the state prior to the incidents. An arrest warrant was issued based on probable cause, though DPS has refrained from commenting on specific charges or the extradition process as the investigation continues.

Utah’s DPS State Bureau of Investigation and Crime Lab worked alongside local partners to process multiple crime scenes, gather evidence, and support grieving families.

Key contributions came from the Wayne, Archuleta, Sevier, and Kane County Sheriffs’ Offices, the FBI, the Bureau of Land Management, the Page Police Department, and the Pagosa Springs Police Department.

“When tragedy strikes, Utah’s strength lies in our historic partnerships and commitment to justice,” noted DPS officials, praising the proactive communication that enabled Miller’s capture. As the case progresses, the focus remains on delivering justice for the victims and providing closure to their loved ones.

A GoFundMe fundraiser has raised nearly $40,000 for Natalie Graves’ husband Taylor.

In an obituary, Natalie was described as “full of love, compassion and creativity. She was fiercely loyal to her family and friends.”

“Natalie worked at the Huntsman Cancer Institute as a member of the cancer clinical trials team. She was proud of her work helping people facing difficult times. Natalie met the love of her life, Taylor, while they were university students. They were inseparable for the past 16 years. Natalie and Taylor moved to Easthampton, MA where they immersed themselves in a creative, artistic community. Natalie was passionate about supporting the arts and was a board member of the Northampton Arts Council.”