A transport driver in Utah has been charged with murder after three adults with disabilities died even as in his care last December. The driver, 41-year-old Nathan S. Lloyd, faces multiple counts of murder and abuse of a vulnerable adult, according to Salt Lake County prosecutors.
The charges stem from an incident on December 3rd, where Lloyd allegedly left the three individuals in a running van while he entered a fast-food restaurant and spent approximately 45 minutes eating and watching anime, according to court documents cited by KSL.com. The van’s heating system was operational and the outside temperature was below freezing. The victims have been identified as 57-year-old Raymond Raines, 66-year-old Sheila Raines, and 53-year-old Richard Newton.
Investigators allege Lloyd was contracted through a caregiving service to transport the individuals to various appointments and activities. The Salt Lake County District Attorney’s Office stated that Lloyd’s actions demonstrated a “depraved indifference to human life,” according to reporting from Utah News Dispatch.
The incident occurred while Lloyd was employed as a driver for a transportation service providing care for individuals with disabilities. Details released by prosecutors indicate that Lloyd did not check on the passengers during the extended period he was inside the restaurant. Emergency responders found the three individuals unresponsive inside the van and were unable to revive them.
Lloyd was arrested and initially booked on suspicion of abuse of a vulnerable adult resulting in serious injury. The charges were upgraded to murder following the completion of the medical examiner’s investigation, which determined the deaths were caused by hypothermia.
The case has drawn attention to the care and transportation of individuals with disabilities in Utah. Authorities have not released further details regarding the specific caregiving service involved or whether any regulatory reviews are planned. As of February 22, 2026, Lloyd remains in custody awaiting a court date, and the investigation is ongoing.
