Utah Man Accused of Killing Mother, Stepfather Ordered to Stand Trial After Chilling Statement to Police

A 29-year-old man from Spanish Fork who allegedly shot and killed his mother and stepfather more than three years ago has been ordered to stand trial on murder charges.

Fourth District Judge Thomas Low bound Robert Erickson over for trial after reviewing evidence presented during preliminary hearings held on March 18 and May 1.

According to East Idaho News, police were asked to conduct a welfare check on Timothy Parker, 58, and his wife, Jeannie Parker, 50. A co-worker of one of the victims had called reporting that the victim had not shown up to work for the past two days. Officers attempted contact at the residence without success.

When officers arrived at the couple’s residence at 1419 S. 2250 East, they discovered the bodies partially covered with a blanket in a basement bedroom. Investigators said both victims had been shot. A preliminary investigation revealed that it appeared Timothy Parker's forearm had been burned after he was deceased.

Authorities found multiple firearms inside the home, along with bullet holes in the walls and shell casings scattered throughout the property. Investigators also reported finding drugs, an open safe, and blood residue on the stairs leading to the basement.

“The investigation revealed that efforts had been made to clean up the scene, including cleaning up blood and laundering clothing that appeared to have blood on them,” court documents said.

A 2018 Hyundai Elantra, bluish-grey in color, with Utah license plate N806S was missing from the home.

During the investigation, detectives learned from Timothy Parker’s coworkers that he had been attempting to evict his stepson.

Neighbors also reported seeing Erickson smoking a cigarette outside the family home on March 12, while Jeannie Parker had reportedly missed work on March 11.

At around 5 p.m. on March 14, investigators traced Jeannie Parker’s cellphone to Steamboat Springs after dialing the victims’ phones.

A police pursuit in Grand County, Kremmling, ultimately led to Erickson’s arrest.

Authorities said he was found driving his mother’s vehicle and was allegedly in possession of three firearms and several debit and credit cards belonging to family members. He was later extradited back to Utah.

Erickson allegedly gave investigators a chilling explanation when asked why he travelled to Colorado.

“I knew I was going to jail anyway, and I thought I would have a little fun.”

Investigators later discovered several photos of the victims’ bodies while examining Erickson’s cellphone, according to court records.

Erickson has been charged with two counts of aggravated murder, first-degree felonies; obstruction of justice and theft, second-degree felonies; and three counts each of possession or use of a firearm by a restricted person, abuse or desecration of a human body, and unlawful possession or use of a financial card, all third-degree felonies.

Authorities said Erickson is expected to enter either a guilty or not guilty plea during his arraignment scheduled for June 10.