Utah Woman Who Shot and Killed Her Parents and Tried to Murder Her Brother Says ‘I Would Do It Again’ After Guilty Plea
WASHINGTON, UT – A Utah woman who walked into her parents’ home and gunned them down before trying to kill her brother has pleaded guilty but mentally ill to multiple felony charges — later telling investigators, “I would do it again. I hate them.”
29-year-old Mia Bailey admitted to killing her parents, Joseph Bailey, 70, and Gail Bailey, 69, during a June 18, 2024 shooting inside their family home in Washington, Utah. The case has been described by prosecutors as one of the most “chilling” family murder cases in the state’s history.
The Attack Inside the Family Home
According to court records, Mia Bailey entered her parents’ home while her mother watched television and opened fire, striking her multiple times. She then walked to the master bedroom, where she shot her father several times as well.
Investigators said the killer “fired multiple rounds to make sure they were dead.”
“I would do it again. I hate them,”
Bailey told police following her arrest, according to the criminal affidavit.
Bailey’s brother and sister-in-law were also inside the house during the attack. Her brother was reportedly shot at but not struck, managing to escape through a neighbor’s property to call 911.
By the time authorities arrived, Mia Bailey had fled the scene.
Search and Arrest
Police launched an overnight manhunt across Washington County, warning residents that the suspect could appear in disguises or wigs.
Officers said Bailey — who had legally changed her name and gender just months earlier — was difficult to identify due to her altered appearance. She was previously known as Colin Bailey before filing legal documents in July 2023 to change her name and gender.
Five days after her filing, her brother had reportedly sought a protective order against her, citing family tension, though the request was denied.
The search ended the following morning when officers located Bailey near a wooded area. After hours of negotiation, she surrendered peacefully around 8 a.m. and was taken into custody.
Family Tensions and Motive
While prosecutors have not identified a clear motive, investigators cited longstanding conflict within the Bailey family.
“It’s clear intent to enter the home … immediately go to mom, sitting in front of the TV … but then to make that commitment to leave that area to look for other people. It is chilling,”
journalist Brian Schnee said in an interview with KUTV.
Prosecutors later confirmed that Mia Bailey was charged with ten felonies, including two counts of aggravated murder, aggravated attempted murder, and aggravated burglary.
In a plea agreement, she entered a guilty but mentally ill plea to two counts of aggravated murder and one count of aggravated assault.
Court Proceedings
Washington County Attorney Jerry Jaeger said his office was satisfied with the outcome, noting the plea avoided a lengthy trial while still ensuring accountability.
“We are pleased Mia Bailey pleaded guilty to these horrific murders,”
Jaeger said following the hearing.
Prosecutors confirmed they would not pursue the death penalty in the case. Bailey remains in custody and is scheduled to be sentenced on December 19, 2025.
Aftermath and Family Loss
According to a GoFundMe page created for the victims, the couple’s surviving son, his wife, and their young grandchildren had been living with Joseph and Gail Bailey at the time of the murders.
“These children haven’t just lost their home, but they’ve lost their family and have been ripped out of their lives and everything they know,”
the fundraiser stated.
Authorities and family friends described the killings as a tragedy that left an entire community grieving. Prosecutors said the case highlights the devastating intersection of mental illness, family conflict, and access to firearms.
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