LOA, Utah (KUTV) — Owners of the hotel in Loa where a triple homicide suspect stayed said they were shocked and deeply saddened by the murders.
Ivan Miller, a 22-year-old man from Iowa, checked into the Snuggle Inn around midnight on Saturday, Feb. 28, after hitting an elk on State Road 24. He was dropped off by Brian Auto Towing, which Snuggle Inn owners said frequently happens when drivers hit wildlife or their rental cars break down.
In a statement, Snuggle Inn owners said Miller stayed at the hotel until Monday, March 2, when he “appeared to walk away” from the premises during the early morning hours.
On Wednesday afternoon, March 4, two women were found dead at a trailhead south of Torrey and an third was found dead in Lyman. All three women had been shot. Investigators began looking for Miller and asked residents across the county to stay indoors with their outside lights on.
Officials have not said where they believed Miller went after leaving the hotel. His whereabouts were unknown for over two days.
MORE | Wayne County Triple Homicide
Wayne County triple homicide (KUTV graphic)
“Our hearts go out to the three victims and their families during this incredibly difficult time,” Snuggle Inn said in a statement. “We’re sharing in your sorrow and sending you comfort and peace, particularly since one of the victims was a good family friend.”
The Snuggle Inn said that once they found that Miller had been identified as a suspect in the murders, they contacted and met with law enforcement. They cooperated fully with the ongoing investigation, saying they provided all information requested by law enforcement.
Miller was traced through Southern Utah, northern Arizona and New Mexico before he was taken into custody in Colorado.
He has since been charged in Utah with three counts of first-degree felony aggravated murder.
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