It’s been one year since Dylan Rounds vanished. His parents remain optimistic he will be found

#eastidahonews #dylanrounds #disappearance
IDAHO FALLS - While many enjoyed camping, boating, visiting cemeteries and spending time outdoors this Memorial Day weekend, Candice Cooley and Justin Rounds marked a horrible anniversary: the disappearance of their son.
Dylan Rounds vanished May 28, 2022, in Lucin, Utah. Since then, one Christmas, one Thanksgiving, one summer and Dylan’s 20th birthday in August have passed with Cooley and Rounds wondering what happened to their boy.
“Every day has been a first. This whole year has been at first,” Cooley tells EastIdahoNews.com.
For months there were no answers. Then, in March, 59-year-old James Brenner was charged with one count of aggravated murder and one count of abuse or desecration of a human body.
RELATED | Man charged with murder in Dylan Rounds case
Brenner was squatting on property near Dylan. He has a violent criminal history, according to court records, and video captured on Dylan’s phone the morning he disappeared showed Brenner with blood stains as he cleaned a gun, charging documents say.
Brenner’s next court appearance is scheduled for June 5 in Box Elder County, Utah, and Dylan’s parents are frustrated the legal system is taking so long.
“We feel like he’s sitting in jail laughing because you get charged on March 3, and here we are almost three months later, and he still hasn’t even been arraigned,” Cooley explains.
There has been no sign of Dylan since he disappeared in the remote Utah desert, even though his boots were found near a dirt mound and his phone was discovered at the bottom of a pond near Brenner’s trailer.
RELATED | Video shows suspect with blood stains as he cleaned gun following Dylan Rounds’ disappearance, charges say
Rounds and Cooley have spent countless hours with volunteer K9 teams from Montana, Colorado, eastern Idaho and other states looking for Dylan over the past year.
“They come out and do the search during the day. Then they’ll go back to the hotel and practice with their dogs and take care of them,” Rounds says. “It’s pretty neat to watch the determination they have and to do what they do.”
RELATED | Dylan Rounds’ parents detail timeline of when they think son was killed, say murder charge is a ‘huge win’
Dylan’s parents remain optimistic that their son will be found soon. They’re “overwhelmed” with the support they’ve received from people all over the world. They want to give back and are working with Ron’s Tire and Motorsports on a rib cook-off fundraiser to benefit K9 search teams. It will be held June 10 and more information can be found on the Justice for Dylan Rounds Facebook page.
Watch our entire interview with Cooley and Rounds in the video player above.

[@richardthomas1743]

I sure do hope that Dylans remains are found. Wishing his parents the very best.

[@petekdemircioglu]

Me too!

[@magdasmith1421]

So very, very sad. Law enforcement failed the parents. I can't imagine their pain and devastation.

[@melstiller8561]

As a mother, I can't begin to imagine how devastating it is to lose a child. And to lose a child and not know what happened to him and what has been done to his body has to be unbelievably heartbreaking! 💔😢

[@polishgrlinvegas]

My heart goes out to Dylan’s parents & family ❤

[@crystalinabacteria3430]

I pray they find Dylan so they can get closure & place Dylan at rest🙏♥️

[@Rnnurse2023]

Crying watching these two parents that dearly love their child, Dylan . Prayers that he can be found. Just so heartbreaking . I’m watching sunflowers grow in honor of Dylan 🌻🌻🌻🌻🌻 Nate, thanks so much for the update

[@pamridley8120]

Thank you, Nate, Candice, and Justin for the updates. Continuing Praying that you can find and Bring Dylan Home

[@choctawcodger5418]

God Bless Dylan’s family, and the search team. Sending prayers for them, the successful recovery of Dylan’s remains and the justice is served.

[@judithdowell3164]

So very sad and completely unfair for this Mom and Dad!

[@paulabrahimi2589]

I pray this family finds their son. As a mom that would be hard to live with not knowing what happened to my child and where he is. His mother is strong to go through this. My heart breaks for her.😢

[@renabig7832]

You two as Dylans parents are so strong. I pray Dylan is found soon. Lots of prayers from The Great Navajo Nation.

[@annettegregg8654]

I pray that Dylan's body will be found. What strong people his parents are. I have been following from Ireland xx

[@filmchick6389]

A moving reminder of parental strength and unconditional love - as a mum of a young man of similar age, finding his way in life, my heart breaks for you both and prayers go out to you 🇬🇧🙏🏻 from London xx

[@laurawaldie456]

Thanks for the interview, Nate. My father grew up as a crop farmer so this story has touched me a little more resoundly that some other cases. I wish the very best to Dylan's parents. I send them much kindness and moral support from Toronto, Canada. #JusticeForDylan

[@southernsass2937]

My thoughts & prayers are with you parents 💔🙏

[@dandylioness78]

I started some sunflowers for Dylan this year.. Prayers that he’s found so his parents can rest and have the answers they need 🙏

[@missrita1826]

My heart goes out to the parents. A year is long enough.

[@bevtrue6937]

I feel so bad for you. Best wishes finding him. That creep needs to be in jail for LIFE. HUGS.

[@ferrisulf]

What amazing parents to say that they would rather not have Brenner tell them where he put Dylan if it means Brenner gets out and hurts/kills someone again. This family has been absolutely amazing and my heart goes out to them.

[@teresab126]

Continued prayers that Dylan will be found soon 🙏🏻❤️🙏🏻❤️🙏🏻❤️🙏🏻❤️🙏🏻❤️🙏🏻

[@dragorsi]

Can't believe it's been a year. My heart goes out to them. ❤

[@maddieadams75]

Candice and Justin continued prayers for you and your family in locating Dylan. 🙏♥️🙏♥️ thanks Nate for keeping Dylan’s case out in the Public.

[@bluschke52]

So very sad. I can't even imagine how torturous this is for the parents. He was such an amazing young man.

[@dirtinmyeye6505]

Thank you, Nate, for interviewing Dylan's parents. I have been wondering. I pray for the best for them.

[@Katie-cs2hn]

Honestly great interviews! Nate brings it to us! Prayers for the family ❤️🙏💯

[@ByZy2023]

I’ve been following this from Scotland and pray that this mum and dad find their son to put to rest. The fact that they want to make sure that piece of scum doesn’t do the same thing to anyone else, potentially at the expense of getting information about their sons whereabouts, shows their true strength of character. I hope they get a breakthrough soon 🤞🏼

[@stacyvanderbush5387]

I think about these parents all the time. I have a son the same age with the same ambitions. I pray that they find Dylan in a timely manner. God bless them. ❤

[@tinaperry6928]

I pray that Brenner tells them where dylans body is at.I feel so bad for his parents

[@SquiddysAquaticts]

I really don't know what to say 😔 I've been following Dylan's disappearance since the beginning & I'm still truly heartbroken for y'all😢 I hope Brenner rots in hell for what he has done. I'm going to keep praying for y'all & hope you find your boy soon. Love from Scotland 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

[@GratefulSoul60]

Thank you for update! Many prayers to the family and all that helping them!

[@maryg3143]

I was so hoping the truth would be found by now. I am so sorry that his parents have not found him. My heart goes out to them.

[@aprilefrankenstein7413]

I know it is hard to lose any family member for any reason. Yes every day is a first, I am still having a rough time 3-4 years after losing my mom and my husband. I pray every day that all who have lost loved ones find the strength and courage to get through each day. My ❤ goes out to all who are helping to find your son.

[@debbiea9262]

So heartbreaking. Thank you for keeping his story alive.

[@sallykaleidavis]

So awful..sweet boy

[@addisperez8205]

I pray that they find their son's remains. ** They've really had to fight for answers & justice for their son & I can't even imagine their heartache. Prayers that families of murdered victims will get answers & justice for their loved ones.🙏

[@sm3296]

It’s been one year since my son died. I just got the autopsy report, it answered so many questions for me, and although painful it was also helpful to know. I cannot imagine what it’s like to go through what this family has and is going through. My heart hurts for them and is so angered by that crazy person who took Dylan’s life.

[@petroonajourney3503]

I am so sorry for your loss 💔.

[@nadzya22]

I am deeply sorry for your loss, Ma'am. Stay safe, and healthy 🙏

[@ogadlogadl490]

May Dylan be found ASAP & be brought home to rest in peace.💙🌻🕊️🙏

[@dianacurry6248]

Thank god for volunteers! I am so sorry for Candace and Dylans Dad and all thier family. What a horrible year for them.

[@tanyandavies-wall654]

Sending positive vibes to these poor parents who are no closer to finding their son and the man who is charged w his murder and that has to be soo frustrating and maddening and heartbreaking. I can't imagine how hard this must be for them. My heart hurts for them.

[@jenniferjohnson9722]

Continued prayers for Dylan to be found and for his family. I think of him when I see Sunflowers. 🙏🤗❤️

[@carolyndymond4065]

I really hope your son is found. I don't understand why that guy won't talk it's just so sad 😢

[@mercedeschristlieb4163]

We pray and hope Dylan's remains are found. My love to these suffering parents, from México City.

[@critterscute3642]

God bless these parents and all the searchers. The pain, the anguish, the hopes dashed…I can’t even imagine. My continued prayers that Dylan is found 😞🙏❤️

[@onthecasejeannie]

Much love to Candus and Justin. You guys have all of our love, support and prayers. ❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@janetcampbell5678]

Dear God, please help Candus & Justin's son Dylan can be found and laid to rest

[@angelmist4253]

Amen.

[@peachespavalko1980]

🙋‍♀️ *THINKING OF YOU, CANDICE & JUSTIN.* 💜 Thanks, Nate, for the update. You’re one of a kind and appreciated.

[@neverloozehope2238]

I pray for this family 🙏🙏 I am so sorry about your son. My youngest boy is the same age. Although I haven't walked in your shoes, I pray that God gives you the strength to keep going. Don't stop the fight! "NEVER LOSE HOPE".🙏🙏🙏💔

[@loriclark5491]

So tragic for this family. I pray that they find his remains for a proper burial. May God bless you

[@cats.addict6457]

Those parents are just so amazing, and I sincerely hope that their determination pays... soon!!! 🙏🙏🙏

[@peggyjones3282]

He seemed like such a nice young man. Their heartbreak is so apparent. This is so sad.

[@Aleka1943]

I am so sad about this missing young man. So sorry for his parents. Not knowing where his body is located has got to be just devastating for his entire family.

[@angelmist4253]

Agreed. My grandson was murdered when he was about Dylan's age and nobody was ever even arrested for it, much less convicted. But at least we got to bury him.

[@therockwitch]

Lot's of love to Dylan's family. Holding out hope for them to find their son's remains and properly let him rest in peace.

[@Missmarti77]

Prayers for Dylans Mom and Dad. Stay strong🙏🙏🙏

[@ariellesoullighting4309]

Thank you Nate for your gentle but thorough interview

[@patriciaandrade6098]

We are still with you, mama bear and dad. Your strength is amazing ❤ 🙏🏽

[@debboyea9567]

I have been waiting for this! I was so hoping there would be some good news. Thank you Nate for keeping on it and of course Candice and Justin for their determination in the search for Dylan.😢😢

[@carmendaniel3734]

When I see Dylan’s sweet smile, it breaks my heart that he is gone. Candice and Justin are so brave. Sending lots of love and praying that Dylan will be found soon. Thank you Nate, Candice and Justin for the updates. ❤

[@marytorbert5212]

I pray for this family. Something has to be done here! The legal system cannot let them down! We need to keep talking about this case.

[@Juliet_Feathers2]

So sad. Wish he could be brought home. My thoughts and prayers are with them. 🙏🙏

[@maryhupf4915]

Many hearts are still with you. What an amazing young man Dylan was. You should be so proud of all he accomplished in his short life. And, I'm sure he is proud of you. You have fought for him since day 1 and never let up. I know you won't! Prayers!

[@newbeginning37]

Praying for Dylan to be found… been watching this case from South Africa and really hope he is found soon

[@shaz8486]

As a parent who has lost their son, I can understand the devastation of that loss. I just can’t imagine trying to piece together what happened, and trying to get justice for their son, that crazy killer needs to NEVER be released. If he gets the death penalty he will die by that time anyway. Look how many are on death row, still waiting….let him rot and remember why he sits in jail NEVER EVER getting out so no other person can be harmed by this maniac again. Ben at peace Dylan, another taken way too young. ❤🕊️💔

[@norcalgirll]

This breaks my heart. I can’t believe there hasn’t been any movement. Especially since that video is such key evidence. Brenner needs to speak and let this family know where their son is! Ugh. Prayers everyday for Dylan and his family. 🙏🏻🌻

[@sarahj6190]

Praying for Dylan to be found and sending much love to his family xx love from the Uk xx

[@rosemariepino7715]

My heart and thoughts still go out to this family...so sad

[@Susan70003]

Kheley came across a John Deer work hat a short distance from Hatleys. Ty Corbin went out to repinpoint it as Kheley didn't pick it up right away. Her hat had blown off. In getting her hat back she spotted the other hat. Boxelder came right out and picked it up Ty said.

[@cherylolsen493]

I pray that they are able to find him.❤️❤️🙏🙏

[@artisttl]

So sad! I pray they find him. 🙏

[@barbie5697]

Thoughts and prayers! Thanks for the update, you’re all in my heart. ❤

[@AB-by8xu]

Sending prayers that they can find him ❤ thank you that you are always doing so much good interviews with your down to earth ways ❤

[@renee1253]

This case is disgusting. This family has been tortured by law enforcement. I can't wait till he is found. He and his family deserves that. Justice for Dylan

[@usakiwi1986]

I am hoping and feeling like Dylan was put somewhere almost too obvious. This is a nightmare for Dylans parents. Praying for continued strength

[@mariahughes4249]

God bless you both. God bless the ones helping you find your son. God bless those praying for your family and volunteers. God bless Nate. Remember he is in complete perfection now and is glowing with the light of God. My prayers as a mom of 3 are with you.

[@Joie991]

Prayers for this family ❤️ so that they get some justice for their son. So heartbreaking.

[@krikett]

Hugs for all involved , so glad K9 helping ❤

[@lynnbaalmann2654]

Praying you get answers by the end of June and you will be able barry your son. God bless you both and your family.

[@pamwineinger2374]

Why hasn't the DA assigned a victim's advocate to them? We had on appointed to us and they kept us informed of everything

[@blockededited8280]

Probably for the same reasons that LE has pulled the shenanigans they have been pulling.

[@pennymoreland9602]

May God keep you both wrapped in his loving arms,❤

[@tsnam213]

Thanks for the update.

[@charliemckeown7521]

Hi nate uk here, my heart goes out to the family i hope that they find him soon one way or another.

[@kathywatson7822]

Please keep posting updates on this case. This poor family. I hope they recover the remains. I couldn’t stop looking if it was my son. His mom seems the same. 🙏🏻🙏🏻 for the family

[@elizabethjordan825]

What a sweet boy 💔

[@NinivehGaia]

My heart goes out to them and all the family

[@janepearson5802]

Ive followed this sad awfullness from uk .praying this family find their son .

[@susanstandard8727]

Nate, what the hey is up with Idaho? Craziness happening in that state…I guess everywhere. Nate you have become a bull dog reporting on these stories in your state. Too bad we don’t have more Nates! Thank you dear.

[@TheBlacksheepbabe]

Candice and Justin I’m so sorry you have to go through this. ❤❤ I’ve been following since the start.

[@Bob-Farrell]

Time passes by so fast................one year.................May he Rest in Peace where ever he lays...............Dylan Rounds...,,#Tom Evans

[@teresaspringer4129]

Makes me sick to think about this hard working young man being gone. Praying for closure.

[@janetbuddy3769]

Many thanks Nate for keeping this story alive. Maybe this will get the police off their butts and help with the investigation. 🚨

[@DDee-oi6kn]

Praying for this family - this must be the ultimate pain for a parent - not know where they are.

[@sophielc.4508]

Hi Nate, tkx for being with us. This family pain and it all is so hard. May God bring them some peace and comfort 🥺😢🙏🏼🫶🏼

[@chrisfields3589]

Prayers To Dylan's Family And Friends 🙏

[@irenerhynes6732]

This is the saddest news ever, I followed the news last year when I was visiting my family in Canada. Now back in South Africa and still praying for the family.

[@NaveDelAmor]

Prayers for justice and peace, it's so unfair that a decent young man can't fulfill a dream and parents suffer double being minimized.

[@flygirl5175]

This family is so amazing 🤩 Much love ❤️ 💖

[@lorigreen4134]

Nate, please continue to cover this case. Heartbreaking, such a cute kid.

[@sapphirelane1714]

I’m all the way in Alabama, but I still remember hearing about this from day one. I’ve been praying for the whole family. Went through a similar situation with a cousin for 2 months before they found her remains. Those 2 months dragged on for ages, so I can only imagine nearly 2 years! My heart goes out to all families going through this type of nightmare.

[@texaschopper3091]

Thank you for the update.

[@jeanettecoleman-mz7ie]

Murderer needs some good old fashioned justice to encourage him to tell where DYLAN is!🤬

[@justmeagain38]

I've been following this story since it came out and am so disappointed that the boy hadn't been found alive. I was praying for his parents to get good answers. Brenner needs to tell his parents where his body is. Hopefully he'll soon get a conscience and tell them.