Brigham City, Utah – A Utah squatter confessed to killing a 19-year-old farmer, Dylan Rounds, who had ventured out on his own only to meet a tragic end. James Brenner, 60, pleaded guilty to second-degree murder in court, admitting to shooting Rounds in the head on a rainy day. The case had long been shrouded in suspicion until investigators discovered crucial evidence on Rounds’ phone, leading them to the killer.
Rounds’ mother, Candice Cooley, expressed gratitude for the video found on her son’s phone, which revealed the killer covered in blood and cleaning a gun. This crucial piece of evidence helped authorities piece together the case against Brenner, a convicted felon who was already banned from owning guns due to a previous incident in Maryland in the 1980s.
In a plea deal, Brenner agreed to disclose the location of Rounds’ remains, resulting in a reduction of charges from first-degree felony aggravated murder to second-degree felony murder. Prosecutors also dropped a desecration of human remains charge and an unrelated assault case against Brenner.
Despite the reduced charges, Brenner is facing a lengthy prison sentence for the murder of the young farmer. Box Elder County Attorney, Stephen Hadfield, commended the collaborative efforts of over 30 law enforcement agencies and volunteers in bringing closure to the case. Rounds’ family had offered a substantial reward for information leading to their son’s whereabouts, leading to the discovery of his remains near Lucin, Utah.
Rounds, described as a dedicated farmer who shunned social media, drugs, and video games, was just beginning his journey as a farmer when his life was cut short. Cooley is now calling for stricter punishments for violent criminals in Utah, urging voters to advocate for justice in such cases. The tragic story of Dylan Rounds serves as a reminder of the importance of seeking justice for victims and holding perpetrators accountable for their actions.