Utah Woman Sentenced to Life for Killing Both Parents and Trying to Murder Brother After Saying ‘I Would Do It Again’
UTAH — A Washington, Utah woman who shot her parents to death inside their home and attempted to kill her brother will spend decades behind bars after telling investigators she “hated them” and “would do it again.”
Mia Bailey, 30, was sentenced Friday to two consecutive terms of 25 years to life in prison for the murders of her parents, Joseph Bailey, 70, and Gail Bailey, 69, according to court records.
Bailey previously pleaded guilty but mentally ill to two counts of aggravated murder and one count of aggravated assault.
Parents Shot Multiple Times Inside Their Home
The killings occurred on the evening of June 18, 2024, inside the Baileys’ home in Washington, Utah.
According to a criminal affidavit, Mia Bailey entered the home and shot her mother while she was watching television. She then walked into the master bedroom and shot her father.
Investigators said Bailey admitted she shot both parents multiple times to ensure they were dead.
Brother Targeted During Shooting
One of Bailey’s brothers, Cory Bailey, and his wife were also inside the home during the attack.
Prosecutors said Bailey fired at Cory, who managed to escape to a neighbor’s home and call police.
“The defendant attempted to kill Cory,” prosecutors said during sentencing.
“She stated he was not her main target, but she would not have been sad had the gunshot killed him.”
By the time officers arrived, Bailey had fled.
Suspect Told Police: ‘I Would Do It Again’
After her arrest the following morning, Bailey made chilling statements to investigators.
According to court documents, she said:
“I would do it again. I hate them.”
Prosecutors told the court the murders were premeditated, stating Bailey purchased a gun, practiced at a shooting range, and planned the timing of the attack, specifically targeting multiple family members.
Manhunt and Arrest
Following the shootings, authorities issued public alerts warning residents that Bailey was armed and dangerous.
Police noted Bailey had recently undergone a gender transition, had legally changed her name and gender in July 2023, and might appear different from earlier descriptions.
At approximately 8 a.m. the next morning, a police negotiator convinced Bailey to surrender peacefully. She was taken into custody without further incident.
Family Says There Is No True Justice
During Friday’s sentencing hearing, Cory Bailey addressed the court, describing the devastation caused by the crime.
“My family has been broken in many ways,” he said.
“We’ve lost our parents, and we’ve lost a sibling as well.”
He added that keeping his sister imprisoned for as long as possible was the only outcome that could protect others and allow his family to heal.
Sentence and Remaining Charges
In addition to the life sentences for aggravated murder, Bailey was sentenced to 0–5 years in prison for aggravated assault related to the attempted killing of her brother.
Other felony charges — including aggravated attempted murder and aggravated burglary — were dismissed as part of the plea agreement.
Defendant Expresses Regret in Court
In a written statement read by her attorney, Bailey expressed remorse for the killings.
“It brings me great pain and regret of the events that followed,” she wrote.
“I am sincerely, deeply sorry to my family that I committed this atrocity.”
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