Utah farm boy Dylan Rounds was found to have died from a gunshot wound to the head as the “killer squatter” James Brenner pleaded guilty to his murder in 2022. Brenner, who had been squatting on land near Rounds’ property, pleaded guilty to felony murder and possession of a firearm by a restricted person during a court hearing. As part of a plea deal, Brenner’s charges were reduced, and an aggravated assault charge was dismissed. It was revealed that Rounds went missing after talking to his grandmother and telling her he was putting a grain truck into shelter near the property where Brenner was squatting.
During the search for Rounds, law enforcement found the missing grain truck and bloody boots, which were matched to Rounds through DNA analysis. The investigation led to the recovery of several guns from Brenner’s property, which he was illegally possessing due to his criminal history. Rounds’ phone records were obtained, leading investigators to a pond where a time-lapse video captured Brenner cleaning his gun with bloodstains on his arms and shirt. This evidence eventually led to the disclosure of the burial site of Rounds’ body.
On April 9, 2024, skeletal remains presumed to belong to Dylan Rounds were recovered in the Lucin area of Box Elder County, bringing some form of closure to his family. A sentencing hearing for Brenner is scheduled for July 1, with Rounds’ mother expressing frustration over the potential leniency of sentencing for gun charges compared to the murder charge. The family expressed relief that the investigation came full circle, allowing them to bring Dylan home and close this chapter.
Box Elder County Attorney Stephen Hadfield praised the efforts of detectives and law enforcement in solving the case, stating that bringing Dylan home and achieving a successful prosecution was a great relief. Prosecutor Blair Wardle collaborated with Rounds’ family in finalizing the plea deal before Brenner signed it, with the hope of achieving justice for Dylan’s death. The family urged the public to consider the impact of laws on sentencing outcomes and to advocate for change if they feel justice is not being served by the legal system.
The guilty plea by Brenner provided some resolution to the grieving family who had established a nonprofit in Dylan Rounds’ memory. Despite the tragic outcome, the family expressed gratitude for the closure the plea deal brought, allowing them to finally lay to rest the anxieties of waiting for justice. The hard work of law enforcement agencies and investigators was recognized by officials, who highlighted the tireless efforts and contributions of the individuals involved in bringing the case to a successful conclusion. The impending sentencing of Brenner will mark a significant milestone in the pursuit of justice for Dylan Rounds and his grieving family.
