Anatomy of Murder: The Young Farmer (Dylan Rounds)
Hosted by Anna-Sigga Nicolazzi and Scott Weinberger
Release Date: October 15, 2024

Introduction

In the gripping episode titled "The Young Farmer (Dylan Rounds)" of Anatomy of Murder, hosts Anna-Sigga Nicolazzi and Scott Weinberger delve deep into the tragic disappearance and subsequent murder of 19-year-old Dylan Rounds. This episode meticulously dissects the layers of the case, exploring Dylan's background, the circumstances surrounding his disappearance, the investigative hurdles, and the eventual pursuit of justice.

Background of Dylan Rounds

Dylan Rounds was not just any young man; he was a passionate farmer with an unwavering dedication to agriculture from a tender age. Born in a rural Idaho community, Dylan's affinity for farming was evident early on. As Candace Cooley, Dylan's mother, recounts:

“He was the one at 5 years old that would run out and start the tractor, let it warm up, waiting for his dad or his grandpa. I mean, he knew how to do that at five years old.”
[04:00] Candace Cooley

By his teenage years, Dylan was already working alongside local farmers, gaining invaluable experience and saving money to purchase his own land. At 19, he partnered with his grandfather to acquire 640 acres in Lucen, Utah—a remote area chosen to avoid the encroachment of modern development, which Dylan vehemently opposed.

Disappearance and Initial Search

On May 28, 2022, Dylan embarked on planting his first crop in Lucen. His enthusiasm was palpable, especially when he reported to his grandmother that unexpected rain had blessed his freshly planted seeds.

“I just finished planting my crop at midnight that night and it started raining. And that in that desert, to have rain on fresh seed is just amazing.”
[07:55] Candace Cooley

However, the following day, Dylan failed to return. Attempts to reach him went unanswered, marking the beginning of a frantic search:

“Somebody was always in consistent contact with Dylan. It wasn't always the same person on a daily basis, but somebody was always in contact.”
[09:18] Candace Cooley

Initial searches yielded a shocking discovery: Dylan's boots behind a dirt pile near his abandoned truck, stained with what appeared to be blood.

“We saw Dylan's boots... we knew instantly something bad had happened.”
[14:53] Candace Cooley

Suspicion Falls on James Brenner

Investigations quickly pointed towards James Brenner, a farmhand with a dubious criminal background. Brenner's behavior raised red flags, especially his unsettling comment about Dylan's gun:

“He said Dylan wouldn't know what to do with his gun. All he could do is throw it at somebody.”
[11:56] Candace Cooley

Despite Brenner's initial denials, digital forensics played a pivotal role in unraveling the truth. A serendipitous recording on Dylan's phone captured Brenner cleaning a blood-stained shirt and a gun, inadvertently providing damning evidence.

“He just hit the right swipe... it was recording. And that's when he was cleaning the blood off his hands and off his shirt.”
[31:22] Candace Cooley

Breakthrough with Video Evidence

The recovered video was a turning point in the case. It not only implicated Brenner but also provided a timeline of events leading to Dylan's murder. Despite the challenging terrain and initial reluctance from local law enforcement, the involvement of the FBI expedited the investigation.

“The FBI agent... said, I know something bad happened to your boy. I’m stepping into this, and you gotta give me some time.”
[28:20] Candace Cooley

Subsequent digital forensics mapped Brenner's movements post-murder, corroborating the evidence against him. The discovery of Dylan's remains further solidified Brenner's culpability.

“Dylan had been shot twice in the head... He executed our son, and the video caught him. If it wasn't for that video, we wouldn't have had anything.”
[38:18] Candace Cooley

Legal Proceedings and Aftermath

James Brenner faced multiple charges, including aggravated murder and federal gun charges. A controversial plea bargain led to his sentencing, where he received a significantly lighter sentence for Dylan's murder compared to his gun-related offenses.

“He serves more time for having the guns that he used to murder my son than he does for murdering my son.”
[41:00] Candace Cooley

The family's fight for justice highlighted systemic issues within the legal framework, sparking broader conversations about prosecutorial decisions and plea bargains in criminal cases.

Family Advocacy and Legacy

In the wake of Dylan's tragic death, his family founded Dylan's Legacy, an organization dedicated to supporting families affected by disappearances and advocating for policy changes to improve investigative processes. Candace Cooley emphasizes the importance of their mission:

“I feel very strongly about trying to make sure other parents don't fall victim to what we did.”
[43:03] Candace Cooley

Through planting sunflowers—a flower symbolizing loyalty, hope, and inner strength—in Dylan's memory, the family seeks to inspire resilience and community support.

“On my darker days, seeing an open sunflower has given me the reminder that I can get past the roughest times and keep helping others the way my son would want.”
[46:20] Anna Segan Nicolasi

Conclusion

"The Young Farmer (Dylan Rounds)" serves as a poignant exploration of loss, resilience, and the quest for justice. Through meticulous storytelling and impactful interviews, Anatomy of Murder not only recounts a harrowing tale but also underscores the enduring spirit of a family determined to honor their son's legacy.

Notable Quotes:

• “He executed our son, and the video caught him. If it wasn't for that video, we wouldn't have had anything.”
  —Candace Cooley [38:18]

• “I am working very heavily with Utah legislatures... Something has to come out of this.”
  —Candace Cooley [43:34]

• “He serves more time for having the guns that he used to murder my son than he does for murdering my son.”
  —Candace Cooley [41:00]

This comprehensive summary encapsulates the heart-wrenching journey of Dylan Rounds and his family's pursuit of justice, offering listeners an in-depth understanding of the complexities involved in unraveling such a tragic case.