In the quiet community of Spanish Fork, Utah, concern grew when 50-year-old Jeannie Parker, a White female, and her husband, Timothy Parker, 58, failed to show up for work for a couple of days. This uncharacteristic absence prompted a coworker to request a welfare check on March 14, 2023. When officers arrived at their home, they found an unlocked window and entered the residence to discover a grim scene.
Jeannie and Timothy Parker were found deceased inside, both having sustained fatal gunshot wounds.
The investigation quickly focused on a person of interest: Jeannie's son and Timothy's stepson, 26-year-old Tryston Robert Erickson, who also lived at the residence. A vehicle and Jeannie Parker's cellphone were missing from the home. Detectives were able to track her phone, which pinged near Steamboat Springs, Colorado. Authorities in Grand County, Colorado, were alerted and located the missing vehicle. A police chase ensued, which ended with Erickson's arrest. At the time of his capture, he was found with a handgun in his waistband and two more in the car.
Upon searching the Parkers' home, investigators found a scene of disarray, with numerous guns, pill bottles, and holes in the walls. It was later revealed through court documents that the couple might have been in the process of evicting Erickson. Further investigation uncovered that a text message had been sent from Jeannie's phone to her coworkers, after she was likely already deceased, stating that she had found a new job. Police also found photographs on Erickson's phone, taken on March 12, showing Jeannie and Timothy deceased.
Tryston Robert Erickson was charged with two counts of aggravated murder. Court records indicated a history of substance abuse and mental health issues, including a diagnosis of schizophrenia. In the months leading up to the incident, Jeannie had posted on social media seeking help to find her son after he had gone missing. His criminal history included charges for stolen vehicles and driving under the influence. Parole hearing recordings shed light on his struggles with mental illness and his refusal at times to take medication. Erickson was held in custody in Colorado on charges related to the police chase before facing extradition to Utah for the murder charges.
