A transgender individual who admitted to killing both parents in their Utah home has been sentenced to a minimum of 25 years to life in prison, following a dramatic sentencing hearing in which the offender disclosed a religious conversion while incarcerated.
Mia Bailey, 30, appeared before a Utah court on Friday for sentencing after pleading guilty to the fatal shooting of her parents, Joseph and Gail Bailey. The court imposed two consecutive sentences of 25 years to life for the murders, ensuring Bailey will spend decades behind bars.
In addition to the murder convictions, Bailey was handed up to five years for aggravated assault for firing a weapon at her brother during the same incident. The brother and his wife reportedly survived by barricading themselves inside a bedroom.
Attempt to Avoid Sentencing Hearing
Ahead of the hearing, Bailey asked the judge to excuse her from attending the proceedings, stating that hearing details of the crimes could trigger severe psychological distress. The request was denied.
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A statement prepared by Bailey and read aloud by her defense attorney, Ryan Stout, revealed that she had embraced Islam during her time in custody. In the statement, Bailey expressed remorse and referenced her religious beliefs as part of her reflection on the crimes.
Mental Health History Presented to Court
Attorney Ryan Stout also detailed Bailey’s extensive mental health history, telling the court that she had been diagnosed with multiple conditions, including ADHD, obsessive-compulsive disorder, anxiety, depression, psychosis, and schizophrenia, with a possible bipolar disorder component.
According to Stout, Bailey had previously sought inpatient treatment but was released shortly before the fatal incident occurred.
Details of the 2024 Killings
The murders took place on June 18, 2024, inside the Baileys’ Utah residence. Police said Bailey forced entry into the home before shooting both parents. Gail Bailey was shot four times, while Joseph Bailey sustained two gunshot wounds to the head.
A manhunt followed the killings, and Bailey was arrested approximately 16 hours later.
Family Members Address the Court
Bailey’s surviving brothers delivered emotional statements during sentencing, expressing both fear and grief.
Corey Bailey told the judge that the family believes long-term incarceration is the safest outcome for everyone involved.
“We’ve lost our parents, and in many ways, we’ve lost a sibling too,” he said, adding that the sentence brings no real sense of closure.
Another brother, Dustin Bailey, addressed Mia directly, stating that it was evident she was not mentally stable at the time of the crimes. He also spoke about their mother’s unwavering support for Bailey over the years.
“When Mia struggled, our mother didn’t turn away,” Dustin said. “She persisted. She tried everything to help.”
Guilty Plea Ends the Case
Bailey had previously entered a guilty plea to all charges, bringing the legal proceedings to a close. With the sentence now imposed, she will remain in state custody for the foreseeable future.
