An aunt and niece were hiking one of their favorite trails when a psychopath brutally murdered them during a random killing spree in Utah this week, their devastated families said.
Linda Dewey, 65, and Natalie Graves, 34, were at the Cockscomb Trailhead in Kane County — a place they considered a “safe haven” — on Wednesday when Evan Miller stabbed and shot them before trying to dispose of their bodies in a dry creek bed. KSL reported.
“Our family is dealing with the shock and devastating loss of two of our family members who were bonding over the beauty of hiking in one of their favorite places on earth — one that they and the community hold dear, and that is a safe haven,” their grief-stricken loved ones said in a statement Friday.
“They were killed. We cannot understand why this happened.”
Police said that their husbands found the two victims at the roadhead after they failed to return to their home.
Dowie was hailed as a devoted wife, mother, granddaughter and sister who “loved deeply” and was the “heart” of her family, while Graves was celebrated as a wife, daughter and sister who radiated “joy, sunshine and beauty.”
Their family added: “We need time to mourn, love each other, and be with our family and friends.”
“We are at a loss for words to describe how we feel and cannot publicly express our grief and devastation at this time.”
They indicated that they plan to honor the two murdered women on their beloved road with pictures.
Miller allegedly began his terrifying spree by sneaking into the home of 86-year-old Margaret Oldroyd Lyman and shooting her in the back while she was watching television.
He then stole her Buick, then continued killing hikers, according to court documents.
He drove off in their car and was arrested Thursday in Colorado after a multi-state manhunt.
The suspect, who was arrested with a gun and a large knife, allegedly told cops shortly after he was restrained that he did not want to kill the three women – but the murders “had to be done.”
Miller was hit with aggravated murder and a slew of other charges.