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Transgender Utah woman allegedly kills parents, says she'd do it again
Mia Bailey, a 28-year-old transgender woman from Southern Utah, was arrested on charges of murdering her parents, Joseph and Gail Bailey, and attempting to kill her brother. The incident has sparked intense public and media scrutiny, highlighting issues of mental health, familial discord, and the legal and societal challenges faced by transgender individuals.
According to the Washington City Police Department, the events unfolded on June 18. Mia Bailey allegedly broke into her parents’ home in Washington City, Utah, and began her attack. She is accused of shooting her father twice in the head and her mother four times. After ensuring they were dead, she proceeded to the basement, where her brother and his wife were hiding in a locked bedroom. Bailey allegedly shot through the bedroom door but did not hit anyone. Her brother then called the police after she left the house.
Court documents reveal chilling details of Bailey’s actions and her lack of remorse. “Mia described that she returned to her father, who was lying on the ground, and shot him one more time in the head to make sure that he was dead,” police claimed in a booking affidavit. “While doing that, Mia … walked back over to her mother and shot her in the head to make sure that she was dead.”
Bailey was charged with six counts of felony discharge of a firearm, two counts of aggravated murder, one count of attempted aggravated murder, aggravated burglary, and another for third-degree felony discharge of a firearm. As of the latest reports, she remains in police custody.
The day after the killings, police issued a public alert and were on the lookout for Bailey’s yellow Kia Sol, which was seen leaving the crime scene. Officers initially tracked her down on June 18, but she managed to evade arrest by pulling out a gun and threatening to shoot herself. She disappeared from sight before they could detain her.
The following morning, Bailey turned herself in to the police. During her arrest, she reportedly showed no remorse for her actions and even stated, “I would do it again. I hate them,” according to the police affidavit.
Family Background and Legal Struggles
The Bailey family reportedly had a history of internal conflicts, and Mia had been estranged from her family members for some time. Her brother, Coryson David Bailey, had filed a protective order against her nearly a year before the incident, citing concerns for their safety. Court records indicate that there were multiple hearings related to this protective order, but details remain confidential. Audio from court hearings revealed that the family had been trying to navigate a difficult relationship, with Cory's son suggesting their mother act as an intermediary to facilitate limited contact with Mia.
Mia Bailey had legally changed her name and gender marker in 2022. The court-approved change reflected her gender identity, a process that can be emotionally and psychologically challenging, especially within unsupportive family environments.
The case quickly became a focal point for media coverage and public debate, particularly around the topics of transgender rights and mental health. Utah Sen. Mike Lee criticized media outlets for referring to Bailey as a woman, arguing that it confused the public and compromised safety during the manhunt. He labeled the coverage as “woke reporting,” a term used to criticize what some see as excessive political correctness.
In contrast, others defended the media’s approach, emphasizing the importance of respecting Bailey’s gender identity, especially as it had been legally recognized. Critics of Lee’s stance argued that his comments could exacerbate stigma and misunderstanding about transgender individuals.
Mia Bailey’s court appearances have been somber and procedural. In her most recent hearing, she sat silently as her attorney and prosecutors discussed logistical issues. Her defense attorney, Ryan Stout, expressed concerns about communication barriers between Bailey and her legal team, noting that she needed better access to her attorney from jail. The judge ordered the jail to facilitate regular phone calls between Bailey and her attorney and directed prosecutors to expedite the sharing of all discovery documents.
Prosecutors have decided not to seek the death penalty despite the severity of the charges. This decision has been met with mixed reactions, with some believing it is a fair approach given the complexities of the case, while others argue that the brutal nature of the crime warrants the harshest punishment.
The case has also brought to light questions about Mia Bailey’s mental health. While specific details about her mental state at the time of the killings have not been disclosed, her actions and statements suggest deep-seated emotional and psychological issues. Mental health experts and advocates emphasize the need for a comprehensive evaluation to understand her motivations and mental condition.
