Vigil held for women murdered in rural Utah
MOAB, Utah (KUTV) — A candlelight vigil was held Sunday night to honor the memories of Crystal Turner and Kylen Shulte.
Police identified the women on Aug. 19 as victims who were shot and killed in the South Mesa area of La Sal Loop Road in Moab.
Friends and community members passed flowers and lit candles and lanterns at Moonflower Community Cooperative, where Shulte, 24, worked.
Those who knew Schulte said that she and Turner, 38, were recently married, and both worked in town. Cindy Sue Hunter said the couple was beautiful inside and out.
"We just had an instant connection,” she said. “They were just very special people."
When the women did not return home earlier in August, Hunter called the police after she visited their campsite and found it empty.
“I saw Ky, but I turned away. I kind of blocked it out of my head, and I didn't want to see what I saw," she said.
Officials with the Grand County Sheriff's Office said they believe someone killed the women and fled the area.
"We do think it was an outside party,. There has not been any firearms recovered from that area at this time," Sheriff Steven White said.
Officials said they are actively following up on leads, but nobody is in custody for killing the women.
“Until they can give us more than that, we are not safe," Hunter said.
The sheriff's office concluded there is no further danger to the public, leaving the community with unanswered questions. Some people said they are nervous to be alone in the area until they get more answers.
"It's not a murder suicide. They don’t have anyone in custody,” Hunter said. “I understand that whoever did this may have left, but he may not have. We don't know."
Family members told 2News that the couple informed friends that a “creepy guy” was making them uncomfortable in the days prior to their deaths.
The Grand County Sheriff’s Office has not released additional information about the case.
Anyone with information about who killed Schulte and Turner has been asked to contact the Grand County Sheriff’s Office at 435-259-8115.
Schulte’s family has established a GoFundMe fundraising website to help with funeral expenses.
