The unsettling tale of the Sharon Sant murder case takes us back to the summer of 1985, when a young student’s life was tragically cut short under horrifying circumstances. 

Sharon Sant, a 19-year-old Southern Utah State College student, vanished on August 1 while hitchhiking from Cedar City to her hometown, Fillmore. 

Her innocent journey would soon transform into a nightmare that shook the community and sparked a relentless pursuit of justice.

Discovery of a gruesome crime

Two weeks after her disappearance, the shockingly mutilated torso of Sharon Sant was unearthed at the Cove Fort rest area. 

The horrifying discovery sent shockwaves throughout the region, as her body had been gruesomely dismembered, with several body parts missing. 

Her promising life had come to a heart-wrenching end, leaving behind a trail of questions and a community in mourning.

In the aftermath of the discovery, the authorities swung into action. 

Two itinerant workers, George Wesley Hamilton and Robert Bott, were apprehended the following year. Witnesses had placed Sharon in George’s truck, leading to their arrest. 

However, the suspects turned sinister, pointing fingers at each other as the investigation progressed.

Trials and revelations

George Wesley Hamilton faced trial and was ultimately convicted of second-degree murder. 

A crucial piece of evidence, a beer bottle bearing his fingerprints found at the scene, linked him to the crime. 

On the other hand, Robert Bott, who had confessed to dismembering Sharon’s body and m*lesting her, had his confession deemed inadmissible due to a legal error.

His refusal to testify against George added another layer of complexity to the case.

The tragedy of Sharon Sant murder echoed through the years, leaving a lasting impact on her community and the legal system. 

Her legacy lives on through the memories of those who knew her and the tireless efforts of law enforcement and legal teams.

Justice served

In 1987, George’s conviction on reduced charges was based on the inability to prove the occurrence of certain crimes. 

Meanwhile, Robert’s release came due to insufficient evidence linking him directly to the crime. 

However, the court overturned George’s conviction because of jury misconduct, resulting in a new trial. 

In 1989, they convicted him again of second-degree murder, and the judge sentenced him to life in prison.

The twists and turns of the Sharon Sant murder case serve as a reminder of the complexity and challenges of seeking justice. 

The case highlights law enforcement’s determination, the legal system’s intricacies, and the impact of crucial evidence on the outcome of trials.

Remembering Sharon Sant

The tragic fate that befell Sharon Sant was an unspeakable loss. 

As we delve into the details of her life and the events that followed her disappearance, we honor her memory and the pursuit of justice that ensued.

Her story serves as a reminder of the fragility of life, the resilience of communities, and the importance of relentless efforts to ensure that justice prevails.

Buried in the Backyard on Oxygen

Oxygen’s “Buried in the Backyard” presents an upcoming episode titled “One of Our Own,” which brings to light the chilling true crime story of Sharon Sant. 

The episode centers around a promising forensics student, whose mutilated body is found on a remote Utah highway. 

Her sheriff’s department colleagues are committed to relentlessly pursuing justice, leaving no stone unturned. 

The episode premiered exclusively on Oxygen on Saturday, August 18, 2023, at 8:00 pm ET.

Seeking closure

The Sharon Sant murder case stands as a haunting chapter in the annals of true crime. 

From when she disappeared to the shocking discovery and the legal process that followed, the journey to find justice was filled with surprising twists, tough challenges, and strong determination. 

Thinking about this sad story reminds us how determined people can be in seeking justice and how a young life can leave a lasting impact even though it ended too soon.