What is the Emerald Ranch Mystery in Red Dead Redemption 2?

When out traveling, you can stumble upon a woman whose horse has died, She wants you to take her to emerald ranch. The woman tells you about a shot down saloon and that the ranch owner's daughter never leaves the house.

The daughter's name is Miriam Wegner, you can see her standing by the window at noon and at night.

The US mail cart, which you can find here, will help you understand the story.

There's a letter here addressed to Miriam Wegner.

It's from Miriam's cousin Annabelle, Anabelle is the 2nd person who mentions that Miriam never leaves the house. It's also stated in the letter that Miriam's lover Joshua died in a horrible way.

You can find Joshua's grave in emerald ranch, it says that he was shot accidently.

The saloon mentioned by the woman from the chance encounter is right next to the grave. And you will see the blood on the floor.

And three bullet holes in the wall, it is where Joshua died and the three holes are the proof that his death wasn't by accident.

Annabele says that Miriam never replied to any of her letters, the suspects that Miriam's father Eugene is holding the letters from her. Annabelle also fears that Eugene is the one who is keeping Miriam locked in the house.

It looks like Miriam's imprisonment and Joshua's death are Eugene's doings. During the "Spines of america" mission, hosea mentions the ranch owner is a nasty type. The woman from the random event says the same thing.

Even if you just greet him, he becomes hostile, everyone in emerald ranch seems to be afraid of him. Eugene disapproved of his daughter's relationship, killed Joshua and locked Miriam in the house. It may not be a huge mystery but backstories like this are the one that make RDR2's world so complex and amazing.