Skeletal Remains of Missing Utah Farmer Believed Found, Murder Suspect Leads Authorities to Site

Authorities have made a grim announcement regarding the discovery of skeletal remains in a remote area of western Utah. It is believed that these remains belong to Dylan Rounds, a 19-year-old farmer who went missing in 2022. The man charged with Rounds' death reportedly led authorities to the burial site. The human remains were found on Tuesday in Lucin, a small railroad community located approximately 200 miles northwest of Salt Lake City, according to the Box Elder County Sheriff's Office.

Investigation and Processing of the Remains

The FBI has processed the area for evidence and has recovered the remains, which are currently in the possession of the Utah Office of the Medical Examiner for confirmation of identity. Dylan Rounds was last seen on his farm in Lucin and was reported missing on May 30, 2022.

Charges and Plea Agreement

In March 2023, the sheriff's office announced that James Brenner was charged with aggravated murder and abuse or desecration of a human body in connection with Rounds' murder and the disposal of his body. As part of a plea agreement, Brenner led investigators to the location of Rounds' burial site on Tuesday.

Family's Response and Probable Cause Statement

In response to the discovery, Rounds' mother Candice Cooley expressed gratitude for the support and love they have received. She mentioned that having Dylan's body will allow them to bring him home as they continue to fight for justice. A probable cause statement indicated that Rounds' last phone signal was traced to a pond not far from where Brenner was staying. Additionally, Rounds' boots were found near a dirt mound, and his phone was discovered at the bottom of the pond.

Heartfelt Message from the Sheriff's Office

While the sheriff's office expressed condolences to the family of Dylan Rounds, they also stated that they would refrain from releasing further information to avoid compromising the ongoing legal proceedings. The office conveyed their deepest sympathies to the family and extended hope for their peace moving forward.