At a Glance
- Timothy Brent Olsen, 36, will be released from Utah State Prison on February 10, 2024 after serving a 15-year sentence for manslaughter in the 1995 death of Kiplyn Davis.
- He has never revealed the location of Davis’s body, a condition that keeps him in custody under Utah’s homicide parole law.
- His release follows a series of legal proceedings that began with a 2011 plea, a 2005 federal indictment, and a 2006 perjury conviction.
Why it matters: The case shows how missing evidence can keep a convicted offender behind bars for decades, raising questions about punishment and closure for families.
The death of 15-year-old Kiplyn Davis in 1995 has haunted Utah for nearly three decades. Her classmates and the community have awaited answers, while the legal system has moved through a complex series of trials and appeals. Now, the state will release Timothy Brent Olsen, the man who pleaded guilty to manslaughter in 2011, after a full 15-year term.
The 1995 Incident
On May 2, 1995, Davis left Spanish Fork High School during lunch with her classmate, Timothy Brent Olsen, and an unnamed third person, according to police reports. The teen left all of her belongings in her locker, a detail noted in a Cold Case report from the Utah Department of Public Safety.
The report described Davis as “very self-conscious about her appearance,” adding that she was a popular student. The circumstances of her disappearance were shrouded in mystery, prompting a prolonged investigation.
Early Investigation
Olsen claimed he saw another individual strike Davis on the head with a rock and that he helped move her body, but he refused to name the other person. “He said he was present when someone else killed her,” the Utah Department of Safety stated.
The trio allegedly drove to Spanish Fork Canyon, where Olsen said the other person hit Davis with a rock. Later that evening, the three returned to the canyon to dispose of her body, a claim that has never been corroborated by recovered evidence.
Federal Perjury Trial
In 2005, Olsen, along with David Rucker Leifson, Scott Brunson, Garry Blackmore, and Christopher Neal Jeppson, was indicted in federal court on charges of perjury before a grand jury and lying to a federal agent about moving a body and creating false alibis.
The indictment led to a federal trial that concluded in November 2006. Olsen was sentenced to 12 years in federal prison for perjury, while the other four men received lesser sentences. The federal conviction added to the legal complexities surrounding the case.
State Manslaughter Plea
In 2011, Olsen pleaded guilty to a lesser charge of manslaughter in state court. The plea agreement required him to serve a sentence ranging from 1 to 15 years. He chose to serve the maximum term, a decision that has kept him incarcerated.
The state court did not compel Olsen to disclose the location of Davis’s body as part of the plea. This omission has been a point of contention for Davis’s parents, who have repeatedly expressed that they would support his release if he led them to their daughter’s remains.
Parole Law and Release
Under Utah law, individuals convicted of homicide may be denied parole unless they reveal the location of the victim’s remains. Olsen’s refusal to disclose the site has been the legal basis for his continued imprisonment.
The Utah Department of Corrections has not yet responded to inquiries about the upcoming release, but the decision to release Olsen appears to stem from the fact that he has served the full 15-year sentence he was sentenced to.
Family Perspective
The parents of Kiplyn Davis have long campaigned for answers. They have stated that they would welcome Olsen’s release only if he provided the location of her body.
“We would support his release if he led us to our daughter’s remains,” the family said in a statement. Their stance underscores the emotional toll the unresolved case has taken on those who lost a child.
Current Status and Future
Olsen was transferred from the federal system to Utah State Prison in 2016. He has remained in state custody since then, with his release scheduled for February 10, 2024.
The release raises questions about the effectiveness of parole laws that hinge on the disclosure of evidence. It also prompts a broader discussion about how the justice system balances the rights of offenders with the needs of victims’ families.
Key Takeaways
- Olsen’s release follows a 15-year sentence for manslaughter, a 12-year federal perjury sentence, and a federal indictment that never resulted in a body being found.
- The case highlights how the lack of physical evidence can keep a convicted individual incarcerated for decades.
- The decision to release Olsen may set a precedent for how similar cases are handled in the future.
Table: Sentences Received by Timothy Brent Olsen
| Year | Court | Charge | Sentence |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2006 | Federal | Perjury | 12 years |
| 2011 | State | Manslaughter | 1-15 years (served 15) |
Timeline of Major Events
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| May 2, 1995 | Davis disappears from high school |
| 2005 | Federal indictment for perjury |
| November 2006 | Federal perjury conviction |
| 2011 | State manslaughter plea |
| 2016 | Transfer to Utah State Prison |
| February 10, 2024 | Scheduled release |
The case remains a stark reminder of the lasting impact that unresolved crimes can have on communities and the legal system alike.
