Man pleads guilty to murder of Millcreek woman in driveway

Linda Nemelka, 57, was found shot and killed in a driveway in Millcreek on March 11, 2020. James Dakota Brunson, 27, pleaded guilty to her murder on Friday.

Linda Nemelka, 57, was found shot and killed in a driveway in Millcreek on March 11, 2020. James Dakota Brunson, 27, pleaded guilty to her murder on Friday. (Family photo)


3 photos
Save Story
Leer en español

Estimated read time: 1-2 minutes

SALT LAKE CITY — James Brunson stood in a yellow jumpsuit in the Matheson Courthouse on Friday and answered "sure do" when the judge asked if he understood the rights he gives up when pleading guilty.

He admitted to killing 57-year-old Linda Nemelka, of Millcreek, during an attempt to take her car by force, his attorney said.

Brunson, 27, pleaded guilty to murder with a firearm enhancement and aggravated robbery, both second-degree felonies.

The deal allowed him to plead guilty to a reduced version of both charges, which were previously first-degree felonies, and dismissed a third charge, possession of a dangerous weapon as a restricted person, a second-degree felony.

Nemelka, a mother of five, was found shot to death in her car on March 11, 2020, after returning home from having dinner with a friend. Police said her engine was still running when they arrived.

James Dakota Brunson, 27, pleaded guilty on Friday to the murder of Linda Nemelka. Nemelka, 57, was found shot and killed in a driveway in Millcreek on March 11, 2020.
James Dakota Brunson, 27, pleaded guilty on Friday to the murder of Linda Nemelka. Nemelka, 57, was found shot and killed in a driveway in Millcreek on March 11, 2020. (Photo: Utah State Prison)

Brunson and Anika Celeste Thorpe were both arrested a few days later on other charges and then charged with Namelka's murder in July 2021.

Charges said neighbors reported seeing a dark-colored SUV leaving following the shooting, and Brunson and Thorpe were believed to be driving a similar car stolen in American Fork three days earlier.

Before Brunson's arrest in March 2020, officers saw him throw a handgun over a fence. That gun was later determined to be the same gun used to shoot Nemelka, charges said. A man reported to police that Brunson had asked him to look for information about a shooting in Millcreek.

Brunson will be sentenced on Dec. 5.

Thorpe is scheduled for a jury trial in January.

Related:

Photos

Related stories

Most recent Police & Courts stories

Related topics

UtahSalt Lake CountyPolice & Courts
Emily Ashcraft is a reporter for KSL.com. She covers issues in state courts, health and religion. In her spare time, Emily enjoys crafting, cycling and raising chickens.
KSL.com Beyond Series

KSL Weather Forecast

KSL Weather Forecast
Play button