Timmy Brent Olsen was denied parole on Tuesday because the parole board said he hasn’t acted in “good faith” to help find the body of Kiplyn Davis, who disappeared in 1995.
Olsen in 2011 plead guilty to second-degree manslaughter for Davis’ death and was sentenced to up to 15 years in prison. He said he saw someone kill Davis and helped bury her body, but he hasn’t said who killed her or where her body is located. His defense attorney at the time of his sentencing said he wouldn’t name the killer because he was afraid for his safety while in prison.
Davis’ parents have said they want to bring their daughter home to give her a proper burial.
Gov. Spencer Cox signed a bill in February which blocks parole for people convicted of murder unless their victims’ remains are found or they make a good faith effort to help find their remains. That bill was inspired by Davis’ case.
“The Board finds that the victim’s remains have not been located or recovered. ... The Board finds that Mr. Olsen has not cooperated in good faith in efforts to locate the victim’s remains,” reads notes from the board’s decision. “Base(d) on current legislative changes to Utah Code 77-27-9, Mr. Olsen has not met the requirements for parole.”
Without parole, Olsen will get out of prison in 2026. The parole board notes say they will reconsider their decision if Olsen helps find Davis’ body or can show he acted in good faith to do so.
