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Sean D. Reyes
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Thomas Edward Egley Convicted and Sentenced Today for the Murder of Loretta Jones in 1970

Price, Utah  November 22, 2016 – In cooperation with the Carbon County Attorney’s Office, the Utah Attorney General’s Office announces the conviction of Thomas Edward Egley for the murder of Loretta Jones on or about July 30, 1970. In 2009, Sergeant David Brewer with the Carbon County Sheriff’s Office reopened the case at the request of family members of the victim. Sergeant Brewer’s investigation led to Egley’s confession to stabbing Jones and slashing her throat for refusing his sexual advances, leaving her to be discovered by her 4-year-old daughter Heidi Jones-Asay, the next morning. Egley was sentenced to prison for a term of 10 years to life.

“We’re grateful that Sergeant Brewer was willing to reopen the case and for the excellent work by the Carbon County investigators to solve this 46-year-old murder,” said Attorney General Sean Reyes. “After a lifetime of uncertainty, I am hopeful that this conviction and sentence to prison brings some measure of closure to those who have suffered the most from her loss.”

Carbon County Attorney Gene Strate remarked, “The community of Carbon County has been seeking justice for Loretta’s brutal murder for a very long time, particularly the victim’s daughter who was four years old when she discovered her mother’s body. The defendant’s prison sentence brings solace in knowing Loretta Jones’s family will have the justice they so rightfully deserve. Sergeant Brewer and Detective Hendricks from the Carbon County Sheriff’s office should be commended for their efforts.”

“I always knew the name and face of the man who killed my mom, I always knew it was Tom,” said Heidi Jones-Asay. “I knew one day I would see Tom again.” 

“This was a heinous and brutal murder, and 46 years should not mitigate a recommendation of prison,” said Assistant Attorney General Gregory Ferbrache.

The conviction is the culmination of nearly seven years of dedicated investigation on the cold case by Carbon County investigators, nearly 46 years after the events occurred.  The prosecution team consisted of Carbon County Attorney Gene Strate, Deputy County Attorney Jeremy Humes, Assistant Attorney’s General Gregory Ferbrache, Shelley Coudreaut and Russell Smith.

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Utah Attorney General's Office

Charges Filed Today on 46-year old Cold Case Homicide for Murder of Loretta Jones

SALT LAKE CITY August 18, 2016 – In cooperation with the Carbon County Attorney’s Office, the Utah Attorney General’s Office announced the arrest of Thomas Edward Egley for charges of rape and murder of Loretta Jones on or about July 30, 1970. In 2009, Sergeant David Brewer with the Carbon County Sheriff’s Office reopened the case at the request of family members of the victim. Sergeant Brewer recently obtained Egley’s confession to raping and killing Jones and destroying evidence that would link him to the crime.

“We’re grateful for the hard work that Carbon County investigators put into solving this 45 year old cold case,” said Attorney General Sean Reyes. “I hope this arrest brings some measure of closure to the family, even after all these years.”

“The community of Carbon County, particularly the victim’s daughter who was four years old at the time, can finally find solace in knowing Loretta Jones’s family will have the justice they deserve resulting from the tragic death of Ms. Jones some 45 years ago.  Sergeant Brewer and Detective Hendricks from the Carbon County Sheriff’s office should be commended for their efforts”, said Carbon County Attorney Gene Strate.

The investigation and arrest is the culmination of nearly seven years of work on the cold case by Carbon County investigators, nearly 45 years after the events occurred.  The State of Utah extends a special thank you to Supervisory Deputy U.S. Marshal and the U.S. Department of Justice United States Marshal’s Service for coordinating an expedient and safe apprehension of Mr. Egley where he resided in Colorado, upon the issuance of the $1,000,000 arrest warrant.  Mr. Egley now awaits the extradition process in Colorado before being returned to Utah to face his rape and murder charges.

The charges contained in the Warrant of Arrest are merely allegations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. All factual recitations are derived from documents filed in court and statements made on the record in court.

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