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Sam Penrod and Alex Cabrero Reporting On May 2nd, 1995, Kiplyn Davis disappeared in Spanish Fork. She was 15-years old. Today, almost 11-years later, one of her former classmates is charged with her murder.
The investigation gained momentum thanks to the federal grand jury. And even though Kiplyn's body has not been found yet, prosecutors are ready to move forward, turning Kiplyn's disappearance into a murder case, which may mean that justice is getting closer.
Hearing that someone has been charged with murdering one of your children would seem to be the most terrible thing you could hear, but after more than ten years of worrying and wondering what happened to their daughter, Richard and Tamara Davis see things differently.
Richard Davis, Kiplyn's Father: "I want to tell you today is truly a wonderful day. It is a day that I feel is bringing Kiplyn back to us."
Today, Timmy Brent Olsen was charged with Kiplyn's murder. He is already in jail, accused of lying to a federal grand jury about his involvement in her disappearance. Others are also under suspicion in the case, facing similar federal perjury charges. Those federal indictments suggest that Rucker Leifson and Chris Jeppson also had a role in Kiplyn's death, and prosecutors say others could be charged with murder or obstructing justice.
Two other men not suspected in the murder, Scott Brunson and Garry Blackmore, have already pleaded guilty to helping cover it up. And while a murder case is being built, the priority for authorities is finding Kiplyn's body.
Kay Bryson, Utah County Attorney: "I think it is only a matter of time and perhaps just a matter of waiting until the spring and better weather. But I feel personally that we are closer to finding Kiplyn than we have ever been before."
Kiplyn's parents are holding out hope that someone who knows where she is buried will come forward to finally help ease their sorrow.
Richard Davis, Kiplyn's Father: "I need people that have any information at all to tell us where she is, put themselves in our shoes. Feel our pain and our agony, and help us bring our daughter home."
Kiplyn's parents will have to wait several months before Timmy Olsen will face the murder charge in court. First, he will be tried on the perjury charges in federal court and has an appearance scheduled in that case, tomorrow morning.
The murder charge finally answers the question many in Spanish Fork have asked for a long time. Will anyone ever face any responsibility?
Spanish Fork high school is the last place anyone remembers seeing Kiplyn Davis, but it's the first place we went to talk to people who might've known her. Everyone we spoke to is just happy justice is finally happening.
Things have pretty much been the same at Spanish Fork High School the past 10 years. The flag goes up in the morning. The hallways get cleaned at night. And Darrel Rolfe wonders what ever happened to his former student.
Darrel Rolfe, Spanish Fork High School: "I remember Kiplyn was a red, curly headed young lady who had all kinds of energy, enthusiasm; she made people laugh."
Rolfe is the assistant principal now, but ten years ago, he was Kiplyn Davis' teacher and remembers the day she was reported missing. He's been friends with her family ever since.
Darrel Rolfe: "For so long, they've been standing in a hallway where the door was closed at one end."
But today, that one door opened wide as someone was finally charged with her murder. The Davis's weren't the only ones waiting.
Corina Brian: “I hope from this point on, it goes quickly for them.”
Darrel Rolfe: “They must have a feeling of, at last we’ve finally turned a corner.”
Not only does Rolfe remember Kiplyn Davis as one of his students, he also remembers Timmy Olsen, the man now charged with her murder.
Darrel Rolfe: “I can’t remember anything specific where he was way off base in anything.”
Being charged with murder, though, is about as off-base as you can get. But finally, folks here are happy justice is being served.
Darrel Rolfe: “It's amazing to me this went on for 10 years, and there wasn't enough information that leaked out or that someone said something to someone."
A lot of people in Spanish Fork are happy for the Davis', and Richard is happy for their support. Here's what he said about them after today's news conference.
Richard Davis, Kiplyn's Father: “I'm just so grateful I grew up in Spanish Fork, and know the people I know, and they're behind us 100-percent. I just appreciate each and every one of them."
It's been a long 10 years.
