Joshua Tree Couple Rationed Food While Missing, Officials Say

JOSHUA TREE, CA -- A couple who went missing in Joshua Tree in July and died of a murder-suicide rationed their food intake, officials said.

Joseph Orbeso, 22, of Lakewood, shot and killed his girlfriend, Rachel Nguyen, 20, of Westminster, before killing himself, according to the San Bernardino Sheriff’s Department.

Authorities said the couple "had positioned their clothing to cover their lower extremities and protect them from the sun." They also believe the couple rationed their food intake, but did not have water.

Investigators found a handgun at the scene that was registered to Orbeso.

The couple, who were reported missing July 28, were found Oct. 15 by a park ranger at Joshua Tree National Park. A handgun, registered by Orbeso, was found at the scene.

The couple was found after search and rescue volunteers spent more than 2,000 hours searching for the couple. The bodies were ultimately found at a steep canyon near Maze Loop Trailhead.

--Image by San Bernardino Sheriff’s Department