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MOAB — The Grand County Sheriff's Office confirmed Thursday the bodies of two women found Wednesday are those of a missing Moab couple.
The sheriff's office also said in a prepared statement that both were shot to death and detectives are conducting a double-homicide investigation.
Kylen Carrol Schulte, 24, and Crystal Michelle Turner, 38, also known as Crystal Beck, who were married, were last seen on leaving a tavern in Moab on Saturday. According to several social media posts, the women called friends later that night to tell them that they needed to move to another campsite because of a "weirdo camping near them that was freaking them out."
The next day, one of the women did not show up for work.
The bodies of the two women were found in the South Mesa area of La Sal Loop Road on Wednesday, according to the sheriff's office. They were taken to the state medical examiner's office to determine the causes of death.
"We are currently following up with any and all leads that come to our attention during this investigation and will continue to be available to people to come forward with information," the sheriff's office stated.
A spokesman for the sheriff's office said investigators do not believe the deaths were the result of a murder-suicide, and that both women were killed by a third person.
No information about the alleged gunman was released Thursday, though in its statement, the sheriff's office said it believes there is "no current danger to the public." The spokesman said based on the evidence collected in the case as of Friday, detectives believe the shootings were an "isolated incident."
As news of the couple's death spread, several people posted messages on Facebook remembering Schulte and Beck.
"My heart hurts tonight with the sad news about my lovely cousin Kylen. Kylen made every moment I spent with her positive, fun and welcoming," one woman wrote.
"Kylen Schulte would always comment about how beautiful the flowers were in front of the restaurant. She asked a few weeks ago to pick a few for her wife. They were truly in love and spread so much joy around them. I'm so sorry this happened to them. Both were absolutely amazing souls," another person posted.
A GoFundMe campaign* was set up by Schulte's family to help pay for funeral expenses.
"Kylen's heart has always been full of love and life and God. She was the best sister, daughter, niece and cousin. She was a true free spirit that lived for the joy in her heart not the hatred in the world," family members wrote.
The fundraising page said details about what happened to Schulte were unknown as of Wednesday. The family is trying to raise enough money to have her body transported to Montana so she can be laid to rest next to her brother, who was killed in a gun accident in 2015 when he was 15.
*Disclaimer: KSL.com has not verified the accuracy of the information provided with respect to the GoFundMe account nor does KSL.com assure that the monies deposited will be applied for the benefit of the persons named as beneficiaries. If you are considering a deposit or donation you should consult your own advisers and otherwise proceed at your own risk.
