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TOOELE — A Pleasant Grove man has pleaded guilty to murder, admitting to shooting and killing his ex-girlfriend, the mother of his child.
Brandon Scott Zipperle, 29, was charged with aggravated murder, but an Oct. 4 plea deal downgraded the charge to murder, which is also a first-degree felony. The deal also included dismissing two counts of obstructing justice and one count of possession of a weapon by a restricted person, all second-degree felonies.
In a statement in support of the plea, Zipperle admitted to "knowingly and intentionally" causing Brooklyn Elise Odland Tyree's death.
Zipperle picked up Tyree, 23, of Salt Lake City, and their 7-month-old baby, at Tyree's apartment on May 3. Charging documents say he then took the woman to Five Mile Pass, shot her and hid her body.
Tyree's body was found three days later by a father and son recreating in the area. Police found the child safe with Zipperle.
Zipperle is set to be sentenced on Feb. 9. For the first-degree felony murder charge, the anticipated sentence is between 15 years and life in prison.
His fiancée, Elizabeth Anne Ludwig, was charged with three counts of obstructing justice, a second-degree felony, and accused of pawning the firearm that Zipperle used. Ludwig is being held at the Tooele County Jail, pending charges.
