ST. GEORGE – The woman accused of killing her parents appeared in court for the first time Wednesday morning and asked for a court-appointed attorney.
Mia Bailey, 28, appeared before Judge Keith Barnes of the Fifth District Court via video call from the Purgatory Correctional Facility in Hurricane.
After reading the charges against Bailey, Barnes asked her if she needed a public defender.
“Yes, I’m requesting a public defender,” Bailey said. “I don’t have a lawyer.”
Barnes questioned Bailey about her personal assets and how much money she would have if she could hire a lawyer. Bailey said she had “about $20” and other personal items she could sell, such as her car, jewelry and laptop.
Judge Keith Barnes speaks with Mia Bailey about her charges. (Courtesy of St. George News)
Barnes granted Bailey’s request and appointed Ryan Stour as Bailey’s public defender to defend her. In the courtroom, Storu told Bailey via video call that he would visit her shortly and asked her not to speak to anyone about her case.
Barnes has scheduled a follow-up hearing for July 10 at 2 p.m.
Bailey has been charged with two counts of aggravated murder, attempted aggravated murder and six counts of discharging a firearm. She is accused of shooting her parents on June 18, which sparked an overnight manhunt for her.
Police found Bailey in an open field near the intersection of 2800 East and 1000 South and took her into custody.
Two people shot in a home in southern Utah; suspect arrested
