Small Town Murder Express - Episode #574: "Murder Selfies - Lucin, Utah"

Release Date: March 1, 2025

Introduction

In Episode #574 of Small Town Murder, hosts James Petregallo and Jimmy Wissman delve into the mysterious and tragic disappearance of Dylan Rounds in the secluded town of Lucin, Utah. Combining in-depth research with their signature comedic flair, the duo unravels the complex web surrounding this unsettling case.

Background of Lucin, Utah

Lucin, Utah is a ghost town located in Box Elder County, northwest Utah. Originally founded in the late 1800s as a water stop for railroads, the town experienced periods of abandonment and resettlement. In 1997, aviation engineer Ivo Zdarsky purchased significant land, including the local airport, transforming Lucin into a near-deserted area with minimal population.

Notable Quote:

James Petregallo [05:30]: "Box Elder. Two separate words. I don't know. Elder has something to do with Mormonism, I'm sure because they call each other Elder."

The Disappearance of Dylan Rounds

On May 31, 2022, Dylan Rounds, a 19-year-old aspiring farmer from Rigby, Idaho, went missing in Lucin. Dylan had been diligently working on his grain farm, fulfilling his dream of cultivating crops in isolation. His sudden disappearance prompted extensive search efforts.

Notable Quote:

James Petregallo [14:16]: "Yeah, I can see it all. So apparently the original."

Key Individuals Involved

• Dylan Rounds: The missing 19-year-old farmer whose disappearance is at the center of this case.

• James Brenner: A 58-year-old man with a troubled past, including multiple criminal convictions. Brenner had been living on Dylan's property and was considered a family friend.

• Don Hateley: A neighbor who worked alongside Dylan and Brenner, involved in pig farming ventures.

• Chase Venstra: A local drifter with a lengthy criminal record, suspected of involvement in the disappearance.

Notable Quote:

Jimmy Wissman [22:52]: "He lives in the wind, on the land. He needs a weapon for nature, he does. The cops don't want him to have it."

Investigation and Suspicion

The investigation revealed tense relationships between Dylan and Brenner. Brenner's volatile behavior and extensive criminal history raised red flags. Multiple leads pointed towards Chase Venstra, a known troublemaker in the area. However, inconsistencies in witness testimonies and Brenner's evasive actions complicated the case.

Notable Quote:

James Petregallo [38:15]: "Yeah, I've already found the. The dually tracked at the gate."

Evidence Against James Brenner

Critical evidence emerged when Brenner's phone was found submerged in Lucin Pond, displaying activity consistent with the timeline of Dylan's disappearance. Surveillance footage captured Brenner in possession of blood-stained clothing shortly after Dylan went missing. Additionally, Dylan's unique John Deere hat was discovered in Brenner's possession.

Notable Quote:

Jimmy Wissman [67:42]: "Yeah."

James Petregallo [71:56]: "I don't know if he did it on purpose. And then accident maybe. But Brenner is seen wearing a camouflage T shirt. And at multiple points in the recording, it appears he's standing over the phone."

Confession and Resolution

Facing mounting evidence, Brenner entered a plea bargain, admitting to Dylan's murder. He cooperated by leading authorities to Dylan's skeletal remains, hidden in the desert. Despite the confession, questions linger about Brenner's true motives, citing a minor grievance over the placement of Dylan's grain truck.

Notable Quote:

James Petregallo [77:08]: "It's his property, man."

Jimmy Wissman [77:11]: "He's dead. Yeah."

Aftermath and Legacy

The case concluded with Brenner receiving a sentencing recommendation of three to thirty years in prison. Dylan's family established a nonprofit, Dylan's Legacy, to support families searching for missing loved ones, ensuring that Dylan's story aids others facing similar tragedies.

Notable Quote:

Jimmy Wissman [78:45]: "It's so fucked."

Conclusion

Episode #574 of Small Town Murder offers a comprehensive exploration of Dylan Rounds' disappearance, intertwining meticulous research with engaging storytelling. Petregallo and Wissman shed light on the dark underbelly of Lucin, Utah, highlighting how personal vendettas and isolated environments can culminate in tragic outcomes.

Notable Quote:

James Petregallo [79:00]: "He just wanted to grow grain. He wanted to be fucking. Just feed people."

Join James and Jimmy every Thursday for more gripping tales from small towns, where tragedy meets dark humor. For exclusive content and updates, visit shutupandgivemerder.com or support them on Patreon.