Missing Joshua Tree hikers discovered in embrace died in murder-suicide

By Jennifer Cruz

Reports indicate Rachel Nguyen, 20, and Joseph Orbeso, 21, chose to end their own lives rather than continue to face the elements with no food or water. (Photo: National Park Service)
The San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Office confirmed Friday that a couple found dead in Joshua Tree National Park last week died in what appears to have been a murder-suicide.
The bodies of Joseph Orbeso, 21, and Rachel Nguyen, 20, who had been missing for nearly three months, were discovered in a remote location of the park by search crews Oct. 15, according to a release from the sheriff’s office. The area where the bodies were found is inaccessible by vehicle and additional crews were brought in via helicopter after the discovery.
Authorities did not formally release a motive, but confirmed that the couple was found under a tree with their clothing positioned across their bodies as if to protect them from the sun. The sheriff’s office also noted they were completely out of water and it appeared the couple had been rationing their remaining food. Orbeso’s father, who was present when the bodies were found, said the bodies were locked in an embrace.
Authorities also confirmed a gun, which was legally owned

Source: Guns.com