Dateline NBC “Open Desert” December 7 2023 Recap & Preview
Join Dateline NBC on December 7, 2023, at 10 p.m. ET/9 p.m. CT as they uncover the unsettling details of a homicide case in “Open Desert.”
The episode follows the unsettling events that transpired on March 11, 2020, when Britney’s lifeless body was discovered wrapped in a tarp in the Nevada desert, her throat slashed.
What Happened to Gabrielle “Britney” Ujlaky & Killer Bryce Dickey?
In 2020, the life of 16-year-old Gabrielle “Britney” Ujlaky was tragically cut short, sending shockwaves through Elko County, Nevada.
Gabrielle “Britney” Ujlaky was a 16-year-old girl from Spring Creek, Nevada. She was known in her community for her participation in rodeo activities, a passion that defined much of her young life.
Britney and Dickey were friends, but beneath the surface lay an undercurrent of emotions. Dickey had allegedly confessed to feelings for Britney, only to face rejection.
Ujlaky was last seen with Dickey at Angel Park in Elko on March 8, 2020, and was never seen alive again. After her disappearance, Dickey, who was considered a “big brother” figure to Ujlaky, gave conflicting accounts to the authorities. He initially claimed to have seen her enter a green Ford F-150 pickup truck with an unidentified man, a claim that later proved to be false.
Ujlaky’s body was discovered three days later, wrapped in a blue tarp, having been raped and stabbed to death. The investigation turned towards Dickey, as evidence at the scene contradicted his statements. This evidence included Dickey’s blood-stained boots and a used condom with his DNA, found near Ujlaky’s body. While Dickey admitted to having sexual intercourse with Ujlaky on the day she disappeared, he claimed it was consensual.
The defense argued there was no direct witness to the murder, but the prosecution countered, citing the nature of such crimes typically not being committed in public view. A key testimony came from a former girlfriend of Dickey, who recounted instances of violence and choking in their relationship.
The jury ultimately sided with the prosecution, leading to Dickey’s conviction. His conviction, after a grueling nine-day trial, left the community and Britney’s family grappling with a complex mix of emotions. He now faces a sentence of up to life in prison without the possibility of parole.
