Loretta Jones. Image courtesy Justice for Loretta Jones via Facebook.
CARBON COUNTY, Utah — A suspect in a cold case murder out of Carbon County pleaded guilty to criminal homicide.
Thomas Edward Egley, 76, accused of the rape and murder of Loretta Jones 46 years ago, entered his plea, Tuesday, at the 7th District Court.
Egley was arrested in August after police say he confessed to committing the crime.
Jones was raped and murdered on or about July 30 of 1970, and at the request of her family the cold case was reopened in 2009.
Sgt. David Brewer of the Carbon County Sheriff’s Office reopened the case and obtained the confession of Egley, according to a press release from the sheriff’s office. Egley also confessed to destroying evidence that would have linked him to the crime.
Sentencing for Egley will take place on Nov. 22 at 1:30 p.m. A pre-sentence investigation report will be completed by Adult Probation and Parole.
“After 46 years, the victim’s family finally has closure and justice has been served,” according to the sheriff’s office. “This is just one example of law enforcements dedication to their duty in this community and is something to be proud of.”
