In a case that has sent shockwaves through Utah, a woman accused of a gruesome double murder has entered a plea, shedding light on a disturbing family tragedy. Mia Bailey, aged 29, has acknowledged her role in the chilling event by pleading guilty but mentally ill to two counts of aggravated murder and one count of aggravated assault, according to the Washington County Attorney’s Office.

Originally facing a more extensive list of charges—including ten felonies that encompassed aggravated murder, attempted murder, and burglary—Bailey’s plea marks a significant development in the proceedings. The case, which unfolded in June 2024, has captivated nationwide attention due to its brutal nature and familial betrayal.

Washington County Attorney Jerry Jaeger, who has been spearheading the prosecution, expressed satisfaction with the plea outcome. “We are pleased that Mia Bailey has accepted responsibility for these horrific murders,” he stated, emphasizing the gravity of the situation.

Joseph Bailey, 70, and Gail Bailey, 69, were at their home in Washington, Utah, that evening when somebody walked in. That somebody was Mia Bailey, and she aimed a gun at her mother, who was watching TV, and fired. As Law&Crime’s “Sidebar with Jessie Weber” previously reported, the suspect proceeded to the master bedroom, where she shot her father.

The chilling details of the crime emerged from a criminal affidavit, revealing that both of Bailey’s parents were shot multiple times. In a disturbing admission to authorities, she confessed, “I would do it again. I hate them,” showing no remorse for the actions she took on that fateful day.

The violent encounter didn’t end with her parents. Mia Bailey’s brother and his wife were present during the attack. Her brother narrowly escaped with his life after being shot at, managing to seek refuge at a neighbor’s home and call for help. However, by the time the authorities arrived, Mia Bailey had already fled the scene, leaving behind a trail of devastation.

There was an important note authorities wanted to make as they searched for the suspect and warned local residents. Mia Bailey, previously known as Colin Bailey, was undergoing a gender transition, and she would wear wigs and could look different from the description they were giving.

In July 2023, Mia Bailey filed to legally change her name and gender. Five days later, her brother filed a protective order against his sister, local CBS affiliate KUTV reporter Brian Schnee told “Sidebar.” Mia Bailey’s application was granted; the protective order was not.

“We don’t know a lot of things about the exact reason why this took place, but it’s obviously that there’s family tension there,” Schnee said last year. “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.”

Mia Bailey remained on the loose that night, and authorities launched a search for her. She was spotted at one point but disappeared into the woods. At about 8 a.m. the following morning, a negotiator got the suspect to surrender, and she was arrested.

Prosecutors announced days after the shooting that they were not seeking the death penalty in the case. Mia Bailey is scheduled to be sentenced on Dec. 19.

According to a GoFundMe for Joseph Bailey and Gail Bailey, their son, his wife, and their young grandchildren were living with the couple at the time of the shooting. “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 states.