This article recounts the tragic disappearance and murder of Britney Ulaki, detailing the investigation, the lies told by the last person to see her alive, Bryce Dicki, and the eventual conviction that brought justice. It highlights the challenges faced by law enforcement and the pain endured by Britney's family and community.
On March 9th, 2020, officers arrived at a quiet home to a mother who had not slept. Her daughter, Britney Ulaki, had been missing for almost 24 hours. No calls, no texts, no sign of her anywhere. This article tells the heartbreaking story of Britney's disappearance, the investigation that followed, and the eventual discovery of her body.
Britney, known to most by that name though her full name was Gabrielle Lynn Ulaki, was last seen on March 8th, 2020. The night before, her father, Jim Ulaki, had called the police after Britney failed to return home as expected. She had been at her father's band practice on Hillside Drive in Elco and left with a trusted childhood friend, Bryce Dicki, who was supposed to give her a ride home.
Instead of going straight home, Bryce and Britney spent the afternoon driving around. Later, Britney asked Bryce to drop her off at Spring Creek High School, saying she was meeting a new friend. Bryce left her there around 4:30 p.m., watching as she walked across the lot toward a green Ford F-150 parked in the staff area. After that, Britney was never seen alive again.
Despite Britney's disappearance, her father initially refused to file a missing juvenile report, fearing it would add a negative label to Britney's record, as she already had a drug possession charge from three months earlier. However, as time passed and Britney remained missing, the police began to take the case more seriously.
Britney's mother, Alicia, was deeply worried. She had received text messages from an unknown number claiming Britney was being held hostage and demanding $7,000 in gift cards. Police traced the number to a computer-generated spoofing service, indicating a scam.
Britney had a troubled past, including dealing with a stalker named Chris Mesa, who had confronted her multiple times and had a history of trying to harm her. There was a police report filed the previous year, but Britney was unable to testify against him.
She had also been involved in a viral fight at a rodeo the year before, which contributed to her complicated reputation in the small town. Rumors about drugs and underage drinking surrounded her, but she was also known for being straightforward and honest.
Bryce Dicki, the last person to see Britney alive, became the focus of the investigation. Initially cooperative, Bryce's story began to show inconsistencies. He claimed to have picked Britney up at 1:30 p.m., but surveillance footage showed Britney arriving at Angel Park at 3:20 p.m., where Bryce then picked her up.
Bryce described dropping Britney off at the high school parking lot to meet a new friend, but he could not provide a clear description of this individual. Rumors circulated about a cowboy named JT who drove a green Ford F-150, but no one could confirm his identity.
Police reviewed surveillance footage and phone records that contradicted Bryce's statements. His truck was seen driving down Boyd Kennedy Road, near where Britney's body would later be found, despite his denial of going there.
Phone records showed calls between Britney and Bryce during times he claimed they were together without phone contact. Snapchat photos showed Britney with unknown individuals, raising further questions.
On March 17th, volunteers searching near Burner Basin found a female body partially clothed and covered by a tarp. Identification was made through recent photos, fingernail polish, and piercings. The body was confirmed to be Britney Ulaki.
An autopsy revealed a ligature mark around her neck, wounds on her scalp and behind her ears, and a puncture wound severing her carotid artery. The evidence pointed to a violent death.
Bryce was brought in for further questioning and was read his Miranda rights. During the interrogation, detectives confronted him with surveillance footage and DNA evidence.
DNA found on a condom at the scene contained Britney's DNA on the outside and Bryce's on the inside, indicating sexual contact. Bryce initially denied involvement but eventually admitted to lying about the timeline and events.
He claimed Britney was still alive when he dropped her off with the man in the green truck, but detectives found this story inconsistent with the evidence.
Bryce Dicki was charged with first-degree murder with the use of a deadly weapon. The jury found him guilty on all counts. He was sentenced to life in prison with the possibility of parole after 46 years. His appeal was denied by the Supreme Court.
Britney Ulaki's tragic story is a painful reminder of the dangers that can lurk close to home. The investigation revealed a web of lies and betrayal by someone she trusted. While justice was served, it could never bring Britney back.
Her story ends not in rumors or excuses but in facts that demanded to be heard. For those who followed this story, it is a call to stay vigilant, to seek the truth, and to care for one another.
If you have been moved by Britney's story, remember her by advocating for safety and justice in your own communities.
Stay curious, stay aware, and take care of each other.
This article was crafted to honor Britney's memory and to provide a comprehensive account of the events surrounding her disappearance and murder.
