They Opened the Tiede Familys Christmas Gifts Then Killed Mom and Grandma and Abducted the Daughters

Published: Sunday, October 12, 2025 at 4:00 pm

Christmas Tragedy in Utah Mountains: Family Targeted in Violent Crime Spree

A family's Christmas holiday in the Utah mountains turned into a nightmare when two fugitives, recently released from prison, broke into their remote cabin. The intruders, armed with firearms, murdered the mother and grandmother, filmed themselves opening the family's Christmas gifts, and set the cabin ablaze before abducting the two daughters.

The incident occurred on December 22, 1990. The family, including the parents, two daughters, and grandmother, arrived at their isolated cabin unaware of the presence of the two men. The men, who had escaped from a halfway house, were seeking to burglarize cabins for money and supplies.

Upon entering the cabin, the men confronted the mother, grandmother, and one daughter, tying them up. Gunfire erupted, resulting in the deaths of the mother and grandmother. The father, who arrived later, was shot in the face but survived. The fugitives then set the cabin on fire.

The two daughters were forced to load the family's snowmobiles and drive the men away from the scene. They encountered their uncle on the trail but remained silent, fearing for his safety. The men eventually abandoned the snowmobiles and forced the daughters into the family car.

The father, who had managed to escape the burning cabin and seek help, alerted authorities. A major manhunt ensued, leading to the capture of the fugitives after a vehicle chase. The daughters were rescued unharmed.

The investigation revealed that the men had filmed themselves opening the family's Christmas presents. One of the men pleaded guilty to capital murder and was sentenced to death. The other was convicted of second-degree murder and sentenced to life in prison. Both remain incarcerated.

BNN's Perspective: This case highlights the devastating impact of violent crime on families. While the justice system has delivered verdicts, the lasting trauma experienced by the surviving family members underscores the need for continued efforts to address crime and support victims.

Keywords: Utah, crime, murder, kidnapping, Christmas, cabin, snowmobiles, fugitives, family, violence, prison, daughters, father, mother, grandmother, gifts, investigation, manhunt, rescue, capital murder, second-degree murder, sentence, appeals, incarceration.

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