Dylan Rounds’ Killer Admits to Murdering Teen, Leads Police to Burial Site

The man accused of murdering Dylan Rounds officially pleaded guilty to the 2022 killing. Rounds went missing while working on his farm in a remote area of Utah. James Brenner, who was squatting on the 19-year-old’s property, killed Rounds and buried his body. Law&Crime’s Sierra Gillespie discusses the tragic case with Rounds’ mother, Candice Cooley.
If you’ve used Incognito mode in Google’s Chrome browser, find out if you have a claim in a few clicks by visiting: www.incognitoc...
Reporter:
Sierra Gillespie: / sierragillespie
Visit Dylan's Legacy: dylanroundslega...
Subscribe to Law&Crime Network: bit.ly/LawAndC...
#DylanRounds #TrueCrime #LawAndCrime
STAY UP-TO-DATE WITH THE LAW&CRIME NETWORK:
Watch Law&Crime Network on KZbinTV: bit.ly/3td2e3y
Where To Watch Law&Crime Network: bit.ly/3akxLK5
Sign Up For Law&Crime's Daily Newsletter: bit.ly/LawandC...
Read Fascinating Articles From Law&Crime Network: bit.ly/3td2Iqo
For Advertising Inquiries, Please Contact: [e-mail]
For Licensing Inquiries, Please Contact: [e-mail]
LAW&CRIME NETWORK SOCIAL MEDIA:
Instagram: / lawandcrime
Twitter: / lawcrimenetwork
Facebook: / lawandcrime
Twitch: / lawandcrimenetwork
TikTok: / lawandcrime
LAW&CRIME NETWORK PODCASTS: lawandcrime.co...
SUBSCRIBE TO ALL OF LAW&CRIME NETWORK KZbin CHANNELS:
Main Channel: / @lawandcrime
Law&Crime Shorts: / @lawandcrimeshorts
Channel B: / @lawandcrimetrials
Channel C: / @lawandcrimebodycam

[@LawAndCrime]

If you’ve used Incognito mode in Google’s Chrome browser, find out if you have a claim in a few clicks by visiting: www.incognitoclaims.com/lcnews/?v=lcn4

[@HOTSHOTNYC]

Reportedly people who are claiming compensation have not or will not stand anything to gain from it

[@ewn0404]

Disgusting! A guy who was a complete loser and has wasted his life takes the life of a young man who was going somewhere. So sad how someone could take the life of another over something this senseless.

[@Jay-js5ik]

And then get basically no time in prison. Pathetic.

[@anitagendler3812]

This is just a deplorable and heartbreaking case for the family! This loser deserves life in prison and nothing less! My condolences to Dylan’s family for this senseless loss! 😢😢

[@theresaohman7187]

Jealousy 9:27 is a green eyed monster. He was upset by Dylan, who was a better man than he was, IMO. Sick creep

[@styphlynne8253]

And sad are the families that dont look for justice! Dylans family worked hard & kept at it !! Many in those areas dont hire a P.I or pound the pavement.

[@calliebirch2977]

​@@Jay-js5ikRight.

[@susanmcconnell6041]

RIP, DYLAN!!! Ms Cooley, I pray you find peace with Dylan being 'home' now. He is now with his Creator. Prayers. 🙏🙏

[@domsigno41]

This woman is so strong for what she has been through and to get up and help others that need help. She is a super woman!

[@LAStars-sratS]

Yes, right from the beginning she has been amazing.

[@michelleadamchak1330]

There should be ZERO plea deals ever. A 19 yo boy is dead because a wacko had a bad day. And he's only getting 1-15 years did I hear that correctly?!

[@somnuswaltz5586]

Congratulations, you have functional ears and hearing.

[@Melaniedoo]

@@somnuswaltz5586 Really Karen? You haven’t made your quota for the day yet?

[@AlphaFoxAdam]

About 95% of cases (give or take) resolve through plea.

[@dianayount2122]

the family worked a long time (w the prosecutor) and agreed to this plea deal, to locate their son's body. Maybe sentencing guidelines in that state need to be changed.

[@hharts83]

@@somnuswaltz5586 That was totally unnecessary.

[@heavenleeangeltalk8471]

RIP Dylan 😢 It's finally time to rest peacefully

[@saythankyou111]

Yup…I’ve been waiting for this…..sorry family RIP🇺🇸🕊🌹

[@GealicGirl]

🙏🙏🙏🌻🌻🌻🌻

[@sharonlewis6258]

This sentence is ridiculous. Murderers should get no less than 50 yrs. It breaks my heart that Dylan was murdered. He did not deserve this. My heart and prayers go out to the family.

[@lionheartmerrill1069]

Premeditated murder = Death Biblically

[@AW-yv9sq]

The family took it so it’s on them

[@awdeveau]

Agreed, most people don't realize that a life sentence in most states is only 25yrs. They hear life and think the murderer will be in prison until he dies.

[@carries8748]

Mine too

[@Wozza7]

How disgusting and pathetic is the law that a killer gets a few yrs,a young man is murdered and the law finds more issues on gun violations. Disgusting and sad

[@carriem4096]

So sick of seeing these amazing young peoples' lives being snuffed out before they barely even get a chance to live!!! If that's not bad enough, the frequency you hear of this kind of cops not taking families seriously when they KNOW that their loved one is missing & not just out having fun or out somewhere or whatever is total crap! Yes, sometimes they are just out somewhere & their phone is dead but often they're not & if a family knows that the behavior of not being in contact or seen by family is not normal for the person, then they need to take them seriously! This happens WAY too much!!! So sorry for the family.😢

[@sarahjane8949]

Same here in England young men with careers and prospects killed by losers !!!!!!

[@styphlynne8253]

There is too much of this for LEOs to keep up. If a family like Dylans does not pursue investigations neither does Law Enforcement.

[@anitagendler3812]

Such a senseless loss! This loser should be in prison for life! My condolences to Dylan’s family! 😢😢

[@erod5531]

This mom is incredible. To take a tragedy and tremendous loss and turn it into something to help others is a remarkable thing.

[@aj.a1845]

Law enforcement need to stop shrugging young people disappearing as gone partying etc... If their loved ones say it’s out of character. It should be taken seriously.

[@waynespence5825]

Another failed example of "see something, say something". The police abdicated their responsability as "law enforcement/keepers of the peace". Perhaps if the vicitme was one of their children or thier fellow officers child they would have put forth a better effort.

[@UpsidedownC]

​@@waynespence5825 oh you know if it was one of their kids or a fellow officer the whole department plus would be on the case immediately no corners cut all exspense needed would be approved

[@Melaniedoo]

The law enforcement of Box Elder County needs to be investigated and make any changes that are needed whether it’s firings or elections. The way this case was handled is reprehensible.

[@skuffel5405]

Thats for damn sure. Typical podunk Idaho/ Utah mentality!

[@AppealToHeavenNow]

Agreed. 100%

[@usakiwi1986]

On what planet do you give 1 to 15 years for cold blooded murder??

[@TheKaydacap]

The family agreed to it to find his body

[@Melodic623]

earth🌎

[@chrisscott6227]

Not totally true, plea deals don’t determine the sentence length, 1-15 years is the range in Utah for murder, the family agreed to murder vs aggravated murder which would carry more time in exchange for him providing where the body was. So yes flat out murder charge in Utah is 1-15. Disgusting

[@donaldkenney2648]

Welcome to the DEMONCRATIC PARTY pal 😢

[@myhairisemaculate]

​@@donaldkenney2648 Ah yes the strong flourishing democratic party in utah. What a moronic statement.

[@lisavizzini9609]

I really like and respect this Mother. She's a no nonsense Woman and I'm proud of her and how she conducts herself....

[@avecashley6480]

To Dylan’s mom: you are such a strong woman and you are doing such amazing work. Thank you for taking such an awful tragedy and turning it into something positive for other families in need ❤

[@pattymelt-go3fv]

Wonderful woman. She fed that creep out of the goodness of her heart and LOOK WHAT HE DID! Violent past. "On Box Elder's back" Oh yes.....certainly.

[@usakiwi1986]

Box Elder Cops dropped the ball! They watched Brenner take trash out of his garage and let him

[@cathywnukoski5843]

Such a sad story. That old washed up, worn out drunk took that young boy's life. Horrendous. I feel like I almost know his mom, I've seen her on TV so many times, and my heart breaks every time.

[@somnuswaltz5586]

The melodrama is at a 7, bring it down to a 5 or even 4 😂

[@foxywhitetip7387]

@somnuswalta why are you on here trolling people ? Those are your contributions to the conversation.?

[@sue7734]

@somnuswalta Reported for harassment.

[@somnuswaltz5586]

@sue7734 aww I'm so scared my balls are falling off lmao bro

[@Helloskyyt321]

@@somnuswaltz5586you are sick in the head

[@PaganPunk]

No Justice whatsoever 😢 Absolutely disgusting

[@chartroy]

Only 1-15 years?!? Wth!!!

[@Criminal-Med-Connections]

So behind this family …. They need support as we looked so hard …. ❤

[@freddieblue6351]

Who could hurt him, he is still a baby…pure evil.

[@somnuswaltz5586]

His last words were goo goo ga ga

[@Pipers_hooman]

​@@somnuswaltz5586feel better a-hole?

[@Helloskyyt321]

@@somnuswaltz5586wtf is wrong with you

[@makaveli087]

@@Helloskyyt321 It's factual information. Stop being disrespectful.

[@goneracin9]

The prosecutor put pressure on Brenner to get him to sing. Box Elder were more of a hindrance than any help. They're lying to save face and it's obvious.

[@Melaniedoo]

And with the pathetic sentence that was handed down let’s hope Brenner is dealt with once he’s inside.

[@_C20H25N3O]

The justice system reeeally feels like a joke atp with cases like these

[@UnifyToday]

I can't imagine your heartbreak ....I am so sorry for your loss

[@muluhscokingosco2309]

I now see why all these murders happen in Utah. Why would someone wanna live in Utah? The laws are disgusting.

[@_nick_d]

Utah is a beautiful state and has the 9th lowest violent crime rate compared to rest of the country.

[@styphlynne8253]

This CULTure is notorious for mormonMafia! NETFLIX.Murder.Amongst.The.Mormons speaks volumes. MarkHacking, MarkHoffman, TedBundy, ChadDaybell, LoriVallow, RubyFranke, JodiHild., EmmanuelDavid, JoshPowell, AlexCox, StevenPowell, JodiArius, MeganHuntsman, HaightFamilyMurders, these mormonEnfluencers on youtube!

[@deborahbaker4770]

MURDERED BY A JEALOUS MAN WHO COULDN’T STAND THE FACT THAT AT DYLAN’S AGE KNEW WHAT HE WANTED AND WORKED HARD FOR WHAT HE WANTED AND THIS JEALOUS MAN KILLED HIM OUT OF JEALOUSY ‼️😢 🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻 HE DOES LOOK OLDER NOW THAN WHEN HE WENT TO JAIL BUT STILL HE KILLED SOMEONE WHO HAD HIS WHOLE LIFE AHEAD OF HIM HE TOOK IT ALL AWAY FOR NOTHING ‼️

[@Kati-did]

That sentence is disgusting and UT should be ashamed of themselves. What an amazing way to keep his memory alive and help others.

[@carribgirl007]

Omgoodness! I was following this story, but have not in a while. So he was really murdered? Omg! I was so hoping he would be found alive.

[@SouthernDiscomfort256]

Yall please remember that the family DID NOT know where Dylans remains were. He only disclosed that after the plea deal. They wanted to bury their baby

[@mimitravels710]

Such a sad story. Thank goodness for Dylan’s family and their tenacious spirit

[@Nala_1230]

Imagine taking advantage of a child... disgusting

[@dalriadajohannsen]

Get it together Utah!

[@JE-tz4sh]

Box Elder SD couldn’t find a chicken in a chicken coop

[@luckewoman0348]

I'm so happy this family has answers finally! And Dylan....and his mother is exactly right. I think it is better to not let Brenner know the pain he has caused....a person has to have a soul and some sense of decency in order to feel remorse and regret and I don't think he has that.

[@Boyhead1973]

I've followed this case because Dylan was such an impressive young man. I also saw the gross negligence by that police ofgice...just awful.

[@dayzdnconfuz3d]

Dylan was clearly a sweet, driven young man. he looks like his mama. His parents also clearly love him so much- they worked together to find him despite their divorce. So sad and wish this didn’t happen.

[@sherrydmyterko-tramp8654]

I pray he gets the full 30 yrs. He is dangerous n always has been. I’m so glad you have your precious son back. I’m sorry for your loss. I too lost a son.

[@Helloskyyt321]

This case was mishandled so badly, I feel terrible for his mother & father

[@butterflydana3856]

Prayers for Mom & Dad and Grandparents and sibling of Dylan Rounds. Boxelder police step up for future cases or past cases and do your jobs. Dylan was a very special person and had his entire future ahead of him and that as taken; so young to do what Dylan did which could have helped the future of America.

[@JaimeREYES-qb8vh]

😮😡😡😡. He should get a lifetime punishment without parole!

[@Hapi2KnowU]

He was basically homeless, the state doesn't want to provide him with roof food especially medical they would assume to release him. It was not their kid, if it was it would be a different ending. Short sentence saves tax payers $. They know a child molester will re-offend still release them to the public. 😢

[@CindysGems]

@@Hapi2KnowU. The longer that he’s in jail the longer the other other inmates will provide jailhouse justice‼️👍🏻‼️👍🏻‼️

[@A_Floppy_Clock]

Brave mother

[@Jay-js5ik]

Dude, your profile name.

[@Chelseainhr]

Bless you for using this tragedy to help other families! I’m so sorry for your terrible loss 💔

[@Gina-de8gb]

MY CONDOLENCES TO THE FAMILY AND FRIENDS , MAY HE BE RESTING IN PEACE 🕊️

[@dizzolve]

impressive momma

[@junebuchholtz287]

Now?

[@dizzolve]

@@junebuchholtz287 what do you mean now? I'm just impressed with her

[@DawnRoache-y9n]

I remember this when he was first missing and his Mom told the Police department he only wore one kind of boots, because he had them broken in comfortable to his feet and he wouldn't NEVER leave them and they were bloody.

[@meatballl8430]

This case is so sad 😢 I have been following since the beginning. May he rest in peace.

[@donniedarko4497]

So sorry for your loss! He was so lucky to have such an amazing momma

[@thephantomarcana]

His mother is so incredibly strong. What a love she has for her son.

[@6AlphaMikeCharlie9]

She has for her son

[@kdranch77]

His father is also, just unable to be a spokesman like his mom. He is crushed

[@kaylaferguson7500]

Gosh. His mom is. So beautiful. And classy. I've love to. Meet some one like her.

[@biancabrett8581]

This mom has been fighting for her son from day 1!

[@TheOriginalFoxtrotCharlie]

Great job again by law enforcement 🙄🙄🙄 basically laughing at them during their most vulnerable time .. not taking things seriously .. I'm in Australia and I've had a similar response when needing help during a traumatic time. It's heartbreaking the family has to deal with that on top of everything else and now this joke of a Plea Deal. This person needs to be removed from the population forever. Sending my love to the family and friends of Dylan. 🙏😔❤️

[@cjdodgeprimecrime]

Such a senseless act! I hope he gets sentenced to the fullest extent. My prayers continue to remain with Dylans family. 🙏 😢

[@wildatheart3182]

From the beginning, this momma has shown strength. How she handles herself is incredible considering what she’s gone through.

[@shontellehackett-vanderkro7908]

1 to 15 years for a known felon who ended up murdering a young man in cold blood who was just trying to go about his job that day

[@beast_e55_amg]

I love how the mother is handling everything she speaks about. Just wants justice and what’s right. Crazy that even in our great country the justice system is so flawed… SO VERY FLAWED

[@HomebirthMommaX3]

Such a sad story. Dylan seemed like such an amazing young man with the whole world in front of him. JB deserves to rot in prison with no luxuries! I pray Box Elder gets whats coming. The parebts were key from day 1. I will continue to pray for his parebts and his family. They deserve peace 🙏

[@kimkistler3370]

Why is he not sentenced to life in prison????? WTF?????

[@sharondoan1447]

Utah Law.

[@bassAssassin187]

The parents cut him a break to bury there son it's obvious

[@sharondoan1447]

He will die in prison. The guy is not healthy.

[@Hapi2KnowU]

​@@sharondoan1447 hopefully that's the plan tainted food 😋

[@patriciascali7017]

This mom needs to be an advocate for families everywhere! She’s not only an amazing mom but such a genuinely beautiful person.

[@kimkistler3370]

Such a sad ending,,poor Dylan,,I feel so bad for his parents!!! I sure hope the police are held accountable for this lack of interest looking for Dylan, they should be ashamed!!!

[@DanielHogg-st8mo]

Here is a mother that has just lost her beloved son, law enforcement will feel the raith of a woman scorned, and rightfully so. She will put everything into holding the people who let her down accountable for all the mistakes that were made in her sons disappearance and investigation. She's going to want to keep her mind occupied to numb the pain she is feeling. So sad! Rest in peice dylan ❤ he sounds like an absolute angel of a son! 💯🙏

[@alanmeyers3957]

Who would even think about killing a motivated young man like that, sad.

[@chrysa.22]

Candace we love you! You are such a smart woman! You so educated yourself! So glad Dylan is back where he belongs. Praying for peace

[@peachespavalko1980]

🙋‍♀️Candice, sweetheart, you are my hero and spirit animal, and I mean that with all sincerity. Dylan was so fortunate to have you as his mother. Thank you for this informative interview. I wish you & your family all the best and I’m so glad this part of your journey is almost over. Take care, y’all. 💔 😢*RIP, dearest Dylan.* 😢💔

[@adriana_gnzlz]

finally some news on this case!

[@SunflowerSunflower101]

So where exactly was he buried? His mother said that he was literally right under their feet.

[@brenwils6227]

I've been waiting to hear that as well. I'm wondering if he was under his own truck that was pressure washed? I had that feeling during mob crews live.

[@MackLee23]

I'm curious about that, too. You would think there would be a clear disturbance to the ground, indicating that he may have been there. Makes me wonder if his body was under the camper, or somewhere that the ground was already worn enough that digging wouldn't be immediately obvious. I can't even imagine searching for all that time and him being right under his family's feet. So very sad.

[@vonderloo3184]

Im thinking was in the shed. There was a loose hole dug there.

[@miap2122]

Does it matter? Obviously Dylan was found not far away and probably on farm he worked. You think it would be beneficial for his mom to state exactly where his body was found with all these internet sleuths?

[@SunflowerSunflower101]

@@miap2122 do you get the irony of asking me "does it matter"? Questioning someone's question.

[@avienda771]

Are you kidding me? How is murder only 2nd degree and not 1st?!

[@Josh-y4r]

I think since he showed them where the body is he gets a lesser sentence but i could be wrong

[@gordpiercey9750]

Not the first time Utah police let down a family member

[@howardcraigiv518]

The Justice system is so Broken. This case is prime example of. No plea deal should of even been on the Table.

[@alexh6738]

I can't, and don't try to imagine what that family is still going through. my sincere condolences to the family especially his mother. I remember seeing this case on heavy d sparks KZbin Chanel and as a young man this story always stuck with me. You are valid and justice will be served. Be well and know you are helping so many people from this ever happening again.

[@shawnhuff3920]

Boxelder County prosecuting attorney made an offer a plea deal to get this criminal to talk the Boxelder County sheriff's should have been more investigating then they were Dylan's mom will hopefully be able to get some justice for Dylan by finding fault with Boxelder County and sue them and holding them accountable at the same time i live in boxelder County I'm surprised that the sheriff's didn't get more out of the criminal James the first time they were called to go investigate

[@karenscoville6307]

One of my uncles lost everything he had looking for his son(taken by mother during her time). The FBI were the ones who found him in a sting operation while my uncle was back at home trying to raise more funds for the search. The mother and boyfriend went to prison for quite a bit of time and my uncle got full custody. RIP uncle, I really miss you.

[@tahonienonie88]

Did I hear correctly that the sentence for attempted murder is more than murder itself?? Thankful this family got to bring him home. I heard her say “we were right there” while looking for him, what agony they’ve gone through. Her strength is admirable and I agree, no impact statement for the killer to hear may he rot and never rest. Grateful Dylan has been found.

[@E_Gr]

Watching from Germany.. don’t know what to say. So so sorry for the family! What a sweet soul this young boy was 😢 so unfair

[@lindsaystrawsburg8689]

ur son was such a hard worker and now mom is working soooo hard to honor his death. ❤ u r such a blessing! 15 years for murder is unacceptable

[@Jackie-iz8vp]

The mother is so right; These perpetrators have all the rights and the victims are on the backburner. Such a travesty of justice that this murderer has the actual possibility of parole.

[@ghoormann]

How many times did Heavy D fly over his grave?

[@MB20fangirl]

@nancygrace please pick up this case. I've watched your show for many years and I always here experts always say there's no such thing as “snapped”

[@jenim7485]

The most dignified lady ever to have been interviewed in such awful circumstances. He was a very lucky boy to have had parents like those. RiP 🙏

[@melissacummings496]

So many people failed her child. Disgusting. Would they have handled it differently if it was one of their children?

[@erikamccarthy1457]

5/20/24 I’m grateful family is able to lay Dylan to rest. What a joke about lies of investigation (family was doing everything and volunteers) Love to Family and friends. Dylan, rip young man❤️‍🩹

[@bridgetonowhere]

This mother is so strong. So sorry for your loss. Laws in Utah definitely need to be changed.

[@KaraWard-v2f]

I’m so sorry for your loss! I lost my 19 yr old son in 2011 I couldn’t imagine loosing him to murder , my prayers are with the family ! I’m glad that you were able to recover his remains and that his killer is locked up .

[@usakiwi1986]

RIP Sweet Dylan and prayers to his Mom and Dad and Family

[@trekfortruth2841]

Followed this story from the beginning...she is one tough, smart and loving Mama Bear.

[@KyleMorpheus]

What an awesome mom.

[@lmaobrendan]

I saw this story on Never Seen Again. I am very glad this case got solved among the many others that never do get solved.

[@texassalt8999]

Make this make sense! Attempted murder is a 1st degree but actual murder is 2nd degree? Wtaf?!

[@shirleyguy7152]

Followed this case about Dylan from beginning to end…so sad! This Mother never gave up and she will not stop now for her Son to see laws changed.

[@RestingBeachFace721]

Everybody still working paycheck to paycheck wow. It’s just gonna get worse. A charity organization to help find dead bodies. This is sad.

[@susanhughan2198]

My heart breaks for Dylan’s Mom, Dad, family, friends & all who love him 💔 My thoughts & prayers for comfort & peace 🙏🏼 Rest In Peace Dylan ✝️

[@ladylikealways2436]

Rest up Dylan 🙏🏾 Praying for his family and others like us that have lost a loved one too soon🙏🏾

[@minniemercury4818]

I feel so bad for the parents, especially mom. How awful.

[@untoldofficialyoutube8563]

Why the heck did they let this guy squatt the property and they were feeding the guy, i just i dont get this story

[@bess8523]

They were showing him kindness, he could not reciprocate.

[@lesliesmith1103]

That's Utah for you. They've never seen a plea deal they didn't like. Utah would rather plea than the expense of going to trial. Gotta keep that surplus high.

[@maddieadams75]

My deepest sympathies and condolences to Dylan Rounds family. 🌻🌻🌻🌻🌻🙏🙏🙏❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@Thrashjanga]

Prayers for the family

[@deyannaf4380]

Amazing parents!!! Hope Dillon is resting peacefully now.

[@sharondoan1447]

It sounded like the guy helped Dylan from time to time and Dylan didn’t make him leave the trailer as a kind of bartering arrangement. Offering someone an occasional plate of food is generosity, they weren’t “ feeding him “ on a daily basis.

[@tpalmer2603]

The mom is a beast! She is strong , intelligent and is challenging the criminal justice system for victims!