Recently released body camera footage reveals the unsettling demeanor of James Brenner, now a convicted killer, as he pretended to aid in the search for Dylan Rounds, the teenager he tragically murdered just days prior. The footage captures the raw emotions of Dylan’s parents as they desperately seek answers, while Brenner, their son’s killer, stands beside them, offering chillingly deceptive statements.
The Disappearance of Dylan Rounds
The story of Dylan Rounds, a 19-year-old farmer, begins on May 28th, 2022, in the rural landscape of Lucin, Utah, near the borders of Idaho and Nevada. His sudden disappearance sent shockwaves through the community and sparked a frantic search for answers.
Dylan’s last known contact was with his grandmother, whom he called to discuss routine farming plans. The lack of any further communication raised immediate concerns, and his family knew something was terribly wrong.
Dylan Rounds, a young farmer, disappeared in May 2022
A Mother’s Intuition
Candace Cooley, Dylan’s mother, shared her gut-wrenching experience, expressing the torment of not knowing what led to her son’s disappearance. “That’s the point of a disappearance, you can’t… if you know what’s going to lead up to a disappearance, it’s not going to happen.”
Cooley recounted the frustrating encounter with law enforcement during the initial days of the search. Their concerns were dismissed, met with dismissive remarks suggesting Dylan had run away or gone partying.
Unbeknownst to them, the truth was far more sinister. Dylan wasn’t a runaway, but a victim of a calculated act of violence.
Unveiling the Deception: Bodycam Footage Emerges
The body camera footage, taken merely two days after Dylan’s disappearance, provides a chilling glimpse into Brenner’s calculated facade. He can be seen seamlessly blending in with the search party, composed of Dylan’s parents and law enforcement officials.
Bodycam footage shows James Brenner at the search site for Dylan Rounds
In the video, Brenner, with an air of feigned concern, can be heard saying, “I’m the guy…” as he inserts himself into a conversation with Dylan’s parents and the authorities. This seemingly innocuous statement takes on a sinister undertone as the footage progresses.
Throughout the search, Brenner makes numerous unsettling remarks, attempting to steer the investigation away from himself. He even goes as far as to suggest Dylan had a drinking problem, painting a misleading picture of the young man to cast suspicion elsewhere.
Seeds of Doubt and a Glimmer of Hope
Despite Brenner’s attempts at manipulation, Dylan’s parents harbored suspicions about his involvement. In one of the recordings, Justin Rounds, Dylan’s father, expresses his distrust of Brenner to a deputy, revealing a past incident where Brenner had threatened him with a gun.
The discovery of a pair of Dylan’s boots near Brenner’s trailer further deepened the mystery. Both parents found it highly unusual for Dylan to leave his boots behind, especially in such good condition. This seemingly insignificant detail would later become a crucial piece of evidence in the case.
Unraveling the Truth: From Cellmate Confessions to a Guilty Plea
As the investigation progressed, a chilling confession emerged from an unexpected source. James Profit, Brenner’s former cellmate, revealed that Brenner had confided in him about Dylan’s murder. Profit claimed Brenner had shared details of the crime and even mentioned attempts to pin the blame on another individual.
After a prolonged investigation and mounting evidence, including a video recovered from Dylan’s phone showing Brenner with bloodstains on his clothing, Brenner eventually pleaded guilty to murder in May 2023.
Seeking Justice and Honoring Dylan’s Legacy
Despite the guilty plea, the pain of losing Dylan continues to haunt his family. Candace Cooley, reflecting on the sentencing, shared, “There’s never closure, but this is a closed chapter now.”
In honor of their son, the Rounds family established Dylan’s Legacy Foundation, dedicated to supporting families of missing persons and raising awareness about the crucial early stages of missing person cases.
The foundation, partnered with the Missing and Murdered Network, has already made significant strides in bringing closure to other families. They actively work to educate the public about the importance of credible investigative methods, discouraging the involvement of unqualified individuals or groups that often hinder rather than help investigations.
A Life Cut Short, a Legacy of Hope
While the sentencing provides a semblance of justice, it can never truly compensate for the loss of Dylan Rounds. His tragic death serves as a stark reminder of the importance of community vigilance and support for families facing similar tragedies.
Through Dylan’s Legacy Foundation, his family continues to transform their grief into action, ensuring that Dylan’s story inspires hope and offers support to those navigating the unbearable pain of a missing loved one.
