2 Women ‘Bonding Over the Beauty of a Hike’ Killed in Utah, Family Says

Friday, the relatives of Linda Dewey and Natalie Graves, discovered deceased on a Utah trail earlier in the week, expressed their inability to understand the motive behind the women’s murders. The pair were allegedly targeted by a stranger seeking financial gain, according to authorities.

Family Statement Highlights Victims’ Impact

“They were murdered,” said a family spokesperson. “We cannot comprehend why this happened.”

“She was loved deeply and loved her family deeply,” the statement added. “She was the heart of our family.”

“She was joy, sunshine and beauty embodied,” the spokesperson noted. “We need time to mourn, love each other and be with our family and friends.”

Authorities have charged Ivan Miller, 22, with aggravated murder in connection to the deaths of Dewey, 65, and Graves, 34, on Wednesday. The same charge was filed in the fatal shooting of Margaret Oldroyd, 86, a separate victim not related to the pair. Oldroyd’s family was unavailable for comment on Friday.

The bodies of the three women were found at two locations in South Central Utah. Charging documents filed Thursday allege that Miller confessed to the killings. He told investigators he acted to obtain money after hitting an elk in Loa, Utah, selling his truck to a local tow company, and staying at a hotel for several days.

According to the documents, Miller shot Oldroyd in the head as she watched television at her home in Lyman. He took her Buick but later abandoned it, reportedly disliking the vehicle. The husbands of Dewey and Graves later located their remains near a trailhead and contacted police.

Miller was apprehended in Pagosa Springs, Colorado, after a stolen key fob led authorities to his location. Scott Van Zandt, his public defender, stated during a court hearing that his client prefers to remain silent with both police and media.

A representative for the Colorado State Public Defender did not respond to NBC News’ inquiry on Friday night. The victims were described as cherished figures within their families, with Dewey having an extensive global network of relatives and Graves being adored by many friends and extended family members.

Authorities continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the tragic incident, which occurred in a place the victims considered a safe haven. The community has been left in shock by the sudden loss of two women who were simply enjoying the natural scenery.

Tim Stelloh is a breaking news reporter for NBC News Digital. Insiya Gandhi is an NBC News researcher.