James Brenner, man accused of killing Dylan Rounds, appears in Utah court

#eastidahonews #dylanrounds #court

BRIGHAM CITY, Utah -- The man accused of killing Dylan Rounds limped into a Utah courtroom Monday afternoon wearing an orange jumpsuit, handcuffs around his wrists and shackles on his ankles.

James Brenner spoke only one word during the nine-minute hearing in the Box Elder County Courthouse. First District Judge Brandon Maynard asked Brenner if he was okay with the timeline of future hearings and Brenner responded, "Yes."

The 59-year-old is charged with aggravated murder and abuse or desecration of a human body along with some firearms charges.

Brenner was squatting on property near Rounds’ trailer when the 19-year-old disappeared from his farm in the remote down of Lucin, Utah over Memorial Day weekend in 2022. His body has not been found but Rounds' boots were found near a dirt mound and his phone was discovered at the bottom of a pond near Brenner’s trailer.

Brenner has a violent criminal history and was arrested in June 2022 on outstanding warrants. He was booked into the Weber County Jail in Ogden, Utah on federal charges.

During Monday’s hearing, Michael Studebaker, Brenner’s attorney, asked Judge Maynard to appoint co-counsel to assist in the defense.

Maynard said he would look into the issue of having an additional defense attorney appointed and explained the challenges the court has to deal with as Brenner is facing both state and federal charges.

"Here's the problem that is presented in this case. Mr. Brenner is in federal custody and each time this court acts, it has to get permission from the federal government to bring Mr. Brenner in," Maynard said.

Box Elder County Attorney Blair Wardle said the process takes six weeks so Brenner's next court appearance, where a decision will be made on whether to hold a preliminary hearing, won't be held until July 31.

Candice Cooley and Justin Rounds, Rounds' parents, were in the courtroom with some extended family members and explained how they felt seeing Brenner walk into the hearing.

Rounds added, "He looks for attention to have people feel sorry for him. That's all. I think it's an act."

[mel-oh]

My heart hurts for Dylan and his family. I hope they finally get some answers. Justice for Dylan ❤

[watsonspuzzle]

It was so annoying watching him act so sad and pitiful but refuses to tell where he put Dylan.

[river]

Brenner is a slime ball! Disgusting how he murdered Dylan after Dylan helped him and was kind to him! 🤬 Justice for Dylan and his family.

[debbieswenson]

Thanks so much for covering this story! Continued 🙏🏻🙏🏻 for Dylan to be found and for his parents, family, & friends.

[DS-htfe]

He was jealous of Dylan and is a pitiful specimen. God bless that sweet family, though. They’ve been through hell and yet they’re so strong!

[ronda]

Justice for Dylan, what a sweet kid. Pray for this family to find Dylan and bring this sweetboy home. RIP: Dylan

[petrieflick]

Praying for Dylan’s family. I hope that they get the answers of where his body is. Justice for Dylan 🙏🏼💙🙏🏼

[vickinoeske]

Praying Dylan is found soon so that his parents can find some sort of peace.🕊

[dc]

Sending prayers to the family of Dylan as a mother myself I can’t imagine how difficult this is . Sending prayers and thoughts to his family. This guy needs to root in prison

[BergenCountyGirl]

It is so difficult for me to watch this useless murderer who took the life of a young ambitious man, Dylan Rounds. Dylan had so much to live for. He had a dream and he was making it happen. I pray that Dylan’s body will be found soon. This poor family has been through so much. 🙏🌻🙏🌻🙏🌻🙏🌻🙏🌻🙏🌻🙏🌻🙏🌻

[Baylee]

Nate, Thank you for sharing this important update! What a shocking creature, he certainly looks like a very evil man.
If he is found Guilty, I pray he gets the death penalty.
Prayers for Dylan's parents. God Bless you, and thank you for your continued excellent reporting.
Diana / East Tennessee

[joleenspelbrink]

Like Dylan's parents said...he is despicable. So sad for them. 😢
Why oh why did he think this was ok? Some people obviously have evil in their hearts. God will judge him in the end. But hopefully here on earth there will be justice for Dylan.

[chicosmummy]

Just like Joseph D'Angelo, wheeled into court and after the verdict walks out.

[tatonkatatonka]

🙋‍♀️. Thanks for keeping us updated

Will be following this as you get it for us

Heart felt prayers for Mom and Dad

🙏❤️🙏❤️🙏❤️🙏

[montanamtngirl]

After Brenner says we're Dylan's body is, and they find it...they need to throw him in jail for life and throw away the keys!!! God Bless Dylan's family they are so wonderful and such strong people!!! ❤🙏

[tammytellez]

Your family has been in my prayers for a long time, I’m so proud of both of you, never giving up fighting for Justice for your son… God be with you as you enter this next chapter…El Paso, Tx.

[MrMRW]

Is it just me or do his parents not seem very upset. A saw a video of them a year ago, and the same. Not even close to emotional by mum. Very weird

[corki]

Judge needs to tell Brenner death penalty or tell us where Dylan is and get life...nothing more nothing less!!

[BUSTER.BRATAMUS]

My God he had his boots, he had his phone, hes supposedly on video from Dylans phone bloody cleaning a gun...TAKE HIM TO TRIAL

[HearturMind]

I was just wondering about Dylan and his loving parents struggle today. Thank you EIN for always keeping us informed.