FYI.. I'm 70 years old and when i was a kid,, 12 was a normal age for a boy to carry a knife. Cub Scouts carry knives. Nothing wrong with that. Its a survival tool.
I got my first pocket knife from my dad at 13. It was all I wanted for my 13th birthday lol He showed me how to use it properly and, decades later, I still carry it around.
In 1982(?) Molly LaRue, then a High School Senior, had entered a contest to design a family unity postage stamp, her design won and was produced by the United States Postal Service, a twenty cent stamp issued October 1, 1984
Murder in its own is abhorrent but women in these situations almost always get twice the nightmare compared to their male companions by having to suffer the violation of assault. It’s absolutely disgusting
@@sweetjesus697umm 91% of all victims of r*pe/sexual assault are women, men are the other 9%. While it’s not a “competition” the statistics don’t lie.
12:34 boy.. how nerve wracking that must’ve been.. you and your significant buddy find two other significant buddies, quite very slain, then you gotta walk back to wherever society is established well enough to reach the authorities, all the while wondering where the buddy slayer may be. How truly horrific.
There's still a motive in opportunity killing, it's human nature to want to know a reason for something so horrible. Even if the reason is "because I wanted to see what it felt like". Why did they have that intention? If we don't figure out the why, we have no chance of preventing it. Which I think is the overall goal though it seems impossible at this point.
Why do so many (innocent? blessed? naïve?) people fail to understand that for some monsters, the sexual assault IS the motive? The murders were probably about control, cover-up, and guaranteed access to whatever they were carrying. Rest in Peace.
@@jeanvignes Sometimes 'the motive or oportunity' is just another 'urge' or 'trigger', but for most men, rape is the finishing touch, because that is what is on their mind when seeing the oportunity before finishing her of. Chimps finish eachother off many times, without sexual reasons. Chimps also rape and bite, abuse, hit even viciously when wanting sex with a female if she does not want that chimp male or not at the same moment. But chimps can be nasty and kill eachothers babies, kill their clan of. Only family can be a little more protective. Humans where allways primates, nasty, musty for the most part. Exceptions exist, like exceptions elxist in chimps.
As a thoroughbred Londoner I will never be a thru hiker or have any desire to hike in these places but your channel is simply captivating. Thanks for the great work you do!
On the flip side, I’m a Yorkshire lass and super into hiking and unsure if I’m trying to talk myself down or prepare for all situations. 🤭 Doing a lot of jokes in the Scottish highlands this year. 🥰
I'm alone female hiker living in Wales... London born. And I've walked all over including Yorkshire, lakes didn't really give Scotland much of a chance to be honest. I did do Ben Nevis. But it was just so vast and barren. And I do have to be very selective of my choices because I am absolutely petrified of heights. And I know that if I don't like the look of something I'm going up. I won't do it incase I have to come down the same way😂 Snowdon is my favourite place on earth but I do love it all. I do it on my own and nothing fazes me at all. I've never had the feeling to be weary of anyone I have ever encountered. And my instincts....I'm on fire. My attitude has always been why would a psychopath climb a mountain to attack me?? In fact it was a very close encounter with danger. Had it not been for my guardian angel that night. That I was out for a power walk on the streets. That actually made me decide on walking more remotely. And then I fell in love with it all, the beauty and the peace. All that being said 🥴 I can tell you never in a million years would I go hiking through the states. OR any other country with such vastness. That it actually gives phyopaths a place to hangout, commit their crimes and get away with it. @@kirstybrown1185
I'm from Hershey area and grew up backpacking, especially that stretch of the AT. My scout troop stayed at that shelter a few tines, and each time, we held a moment of silence. That was a big even for us even 6 years later.
This one hit me a little harder. I was the same age at that time and could have easily decided to hike the AT. Instead I traveled overseas and did Peace Corps. Something that was probably a tad more dangerous. Yet here I am, in my 50s, having a pretty good life. But they never got that chance.
Hey Kyle, my daughter Megan (BAG) ran into you on the PCT in No Cal yesterday. She was pretty excited to see you out there. Mom and I watch all your videos and love the true crime stuff you are doing Shawn
What about justice for the hairdresser he killed? Was there never any trial? And this guy has all the hallmarks of a serial killer. There should be some serious investigation into unsolved cases in the areas where he lived or traveled.
Florida did send out extradition papers for him to be charged with the murder. At this point though, they knew it was him and her family will have had that closure, he wouldn’t have got extra time for it. So this would just waste tax payers money, so a few people felt “satisfied”. Can’t imagine further victims weren’t looked at as possibilities. That’s one of the first things done in a serial killer case. It’s good to remember that this is a short documentary on the victims, not the murderer. They are available though.
Kyle, thanks for shedding light on this dreadful but important aspect of hiking on the AT. I'm from that area of PA and have hiked through this very portion of the trail several times. People in those hills are like Darlene in Ozark, with their own code and they follow it rigidly. Best advice: go with your gut if you feel uneasy, get out of a place; don't hike there alone and always let someone know you're going somewhere. Bring a properly charged phone.
My wife and I through hiked in 98 and spent several nights in shelters with lone males. These men were complete strangers, not having met while hiking. They all seemed nice enough but my take away is that we could have been victims of a mentally ill person. An "event" happened in Penn. also in 98. We arrived at a shelter(can't remember) and it was a bit odd that someone had left kindling, firewood as well as an odd assortment of news papers and magazine.We thought trail maintainers had done so. I'm not a "believer in ghosts" type person but my wife and I had a creepy feeling about the shelter, beyond the things we found there. No one showed up. We left the next morning as usual. My wife was on the ATC board at the time so later that week she called a lady she knew who worked with the local trail crew. The lady said a young couple had been murdered at the shelter and there were plans to tear it down and rebuild. We also met several men who I though acted oddly along the way. They were not aggressive but my gut told me to move on. I'm sorry I don't remember the shelter in Penn. but I believe it was north of Duncannon. If anyone has some information about this I would appreciate more information. Personally, I don't believe you can prevent all tragedies but I think precautions are important. If I were to hike the AT again, I would not hike alone nor would I stay in shelters. I would "stealth" camp as much as possible. I would also take a "mace type" spray. Picking a hiking partner takes a lot of thought. The wrong partner can ruin a trip. Thanks Kyle.
I did this section plus 200 miles when I was 13 in 1999. Still to this day the most beautiful hiking I have ever done. The adults we met along the way were great and gave us food and trail names. I faced my fear of heights and jumped off a cliff into a lake thing below. It changed me.. To think this happened there is just so sad. Those poor people.. The people ive loved like that I can't imagine helplessly watching them get killed as I die too. Awful cold world.
Carrying a firearm and a knife is not unreasonable, in fact, its wise to carry both hiking, camping or similar. Kids having a knife, especially in the 60's, 70's and 80's was not uncommon.
Keep saying covered in them like it makes sense. That implies they were in you. You carried lots. Just say a normal thing. If you’re actually thick enough to think it doesn’t happen. Then you shouldn’t have carried knives because you clearly didn’t have the mental capacity for it. If you were being educated on them and your parents understood what they were doing. Amazing. You don’t know he had a regular healthy upbringing. What he said was rational. What you’re saying isn’t.
I’ve been carrying mace and a knife since I was 21. Not just hiking but walking in the city. Working nights I often end up walking my myself late and night and have been followed multiple times. Nothing says “not an easy victim”like flipping your concealed blade open when someone has been following you and inching closer and closer. Always be aware of your surroundings.
Same. I always carry a knife, scissors, and flamable hairspray. We can't carry firearms, and pepper spray here is now sold only if you have a firearm permit... I am illegal carrying a knife, but I don't give a damn, I have been stalked and followed too many times, since I was 14. For now, confronting the person aggressively and/or being smart about my change of routes has/have been enough, but I am always ready. It's more a matter of "when" rather then "if". I know I am seen as prey when I walk alone. I behave accordingly to the worst that can happen.
@@jessicaferrari3987 Good for you being proactive. If you run out of hairspray consider hornet spray or wasp spray and perhaps a high pitched sound device. A girl doesn't want to run out of hairspray.
When I was 21 I got a Smith and Wesson shield. then I got my concealed carry license. I still sleep with it under my pillow nowadays. Nothing says “not an easy victim” like hearing my pistol slide out of the holster. But you do you honey do what works best for you. A lot of people just don’t have anything
Maybe you've already done a video on him, but what about "Sovereign" (I think that's what he went by)? He was arrested before the murder and attempted murder after some AT hikers reported his threatening behavior to the local sheriff. Problem was none of the hikers was willing to come back and testify at his preliminary hearing because they needed to finish the AT. As a result he was let go, and was free to murder. I hope those hikers think about their selfishness for the rest of their lives.
Life in prison, to me, is an odd concept. Someone, for instance, takes another person or persons life or lives, then gets to live another 30+ years themselves. Eating, reading, watching tv, playing video games, interacting with other people, talking to relatives and loved ones, maybe not exactly enjoying life to the fullest extent, but still living and not all too terribly at that. All the while someone out there is still hurting over their missing loved ones.... Sure, being confined to a cell or a building in general does suck, I’ve been there myself. But it’s also super easy considering there are no bills you have to pay (without mentioning any debt wracked up with other inmates), no job to get to, no kids to pick up, no pets to maintain. Nothing. To the right person, life imprisonment after a heinous crime has been committed is basically like sending a kid to their room in this day and age-that’s where all the toys and free time is. And trust me on that too, as I’ve seen many men who were all too happy to be back inside. You’d be surprised how many people in prison are literally right were they want to be. I think granting someone life for having taken a life themselves is a tragic oversight.
I know there are people who are glad to be back in because they have no ability to function on the outside, and sometimes no desire to learn. The people I've known who've been incarcerated, which is just a handful, certainly give me the impression that it's still a nightmare, especially for violent offenders. One guy I know was at a notoriously rough prison during riots, and in the worst block too. Fortunately, he's been out for a long time and living a respectful life that includes working with young men to keep them out of gangs. The only thing I can say is that locking people up is what we do in a civilized society versus killing them. I'm understanding of the reasons people support the death penalty, but ultimately am against it. In the US, we have the largest per capita prison population in the world, more than places like China. We are unusual for a developed country for having a death penalty, and we are in a tiny group of countries who execute people with intellectual disabilities. It's a list of countries so bad that you don't normally associate with the US. We're also a country awash with weapons. What we're doing isn't working.
@@pazza4555 The issue I have with the death penalty is that we see more and more cases of people being found innocent while on death row, and at times, unfortunately, after they have been executed. The Innocence Project has declared that, in their estimation, 30% of those on death row in Florida are likely innocent of the crime for which they have been accused. That's just one state. I'm a strong advocate for law and order, but the thought that an innocent person was killed for a crime they may eventually be found not guilty of doesn't sit well with me. An innocent person dying is an innocent person dying, no matter what the intentions were. We can't have an infallible system, and a death penalty only makes sense to me (in certain cases) if we could.
I get what you’re saying, but in practice it makes no sense. Because of human rights, it costs much more for a death penalty trial than to incarcerate someone for life, why do tax payers have to pay more, just so someone can die? Then what about the potential for a mistake. A death can’t be reversed, a sentence can. I get the appeal but I’m really happy, for those 2 reasons it’s not a thing in my country.
The time frame of his military 'service' put this guy in the Vietnam war. I seriously hope he wasn't overseas, because he probably did even worse things there.
FYI, most of the guys who let loose in Vietnam were acting out of revenge for what they saw happen to their comrades. It's horrible, but the things they saw would make anyone lose their mind.
@@lilyw.719 “most” do you have anything for me to read up on this? From all the things you have access to, actually shows the opposite. It’s called she’ll shock though and it’s medically known people act irrationally in this moment. So, their comrades could’ve just bombed a village, was shot in retaliation, then their friends, see the bomber as the hard done by soldier, nope, he just bombed a village. The USA invaded Vietnam. They were the oppressors, they were the wrong ones in that war and it’s globally accepted now. They had no reason other financial motivation to even be there. I feel for the US soldiers being there, I don’t feel for them thinking they’re the victims and losing their shit on actual victims.
no reason? google communism. google the cold war. the oppressors were North Vietnamese Communists invading South Vietnam. the left educated you didnt they.@@kirstybrown1185
@@kirstybrown1185many of those soldiers had NO CHOICE but to be there. It wasn’t their decision and the fact that they came home messed up is the government’s fault. While it is always an individual’s own fault if they hurt someone, Vietnam vets who were drafted were as much victims of the war as the Vietnamese. It was a crime that the war happened, but most of the soldiers weren’t at fault.
Look into the murder of two Appalachian Trail hikers in 1981. I was on the trail just behind them, a little south of Pearisburg, Virginia. They did catch the murderer.
absolutely, depending on where you live! I had my first at age 8. Granted, it only had about an inch and a half long blade, and i forgot it at home most of the time, and definitely didn't carry it in the city or to places like school. But in the woods? always.
I feel like when it comes to hiking, those of us without guns are always at a disadvantage. I always carry bear mase, a knife, and small cast iron frying pan (usually for backpacking adventures) lol its not only people we need to watch out for. Sometimes the wildlife is unpredictable.
Stay strapped. Just to be clear, here in the South, it isnt uncommon for a 12yr old to have a knife. We usually get them from our parents or family when they think we're old enough.
It’s completely unnecessary. You are FAR more likely to be killed by falling or drowning than by a person out on the trail. Besides, a bear spray is just as effective for 99% of self defence applications. Like, logistically speaking, if you’re gonna kill someone with a gun on a trail, they will just shoot you before you have the chance to draw your weapon.
Duncannon seems to be one of those spots where…you keep going until you drop and then keep going some more. A couple years ago a woman ran into some unsavory characters in that town and she kept running into them. So a couple helped bring her further down the trail so she could hike in and away from them. In the early 80’s another couple were murdered in which there was a boom written, Murder On The Appalachian Trail.
This is such a sad story. Im glad I found your channel and ty you for sharing this with us. May the couple rest in peace 🕊️ and my condolences to the families its just awful that they will never have closure for their deaths but hopefully they will find peace that they are together. ❤🙏😢❤️🙏🕊️
You had me until "having a knife at 12" When I was twelve, in the 80s, almost all boys had knives. I used to sharpen my pencils at school with one. We had hunters ed in school and we brought our guns to class to clean. This was no big deal. It's sad how our society is now such a bunch of pansies that a 12 yr old boy having a knife is looked at as some kind of indication of mental illness. As far as the rest of the video, good work.
me and every single kid I knew carried knives at that age, we grew up in the country. we did all kinds of things that city folk act like are indicators of mental illness, when I think I had a far healthier upbringing than anyone who grew up in a box surrounded by concrete.
My youngest brother uses to play with knives all the time when he was a kid he loved building stuff and digging in ground while playing with his cars, and he's a complete normal person now he is 28
Great coverage! Unbelievable horrible story. Just unreal how crazy some people are. I've told this story myself and it's just awful. I appreciate you continuing the story, and honestly like you I can't believe how these things happen:(
@@jlt131 How do you know I’m not? Nothing wrong with hiking with firearm protection. You’d be the first one wishing you had a gun if some lunatic came at you with an axe or gun.
@@fancy39 I know it because it's illegal in my country. I've been charged by a bear, I've been stalked by a cougar, I've been surrounded/cornered by a pack of wolves. None of these times did I think a gun could've helped the situation. As for lunatics... There are plenty more of them in the city than in the woods.
So one point - although its rare to have an incident like this on the AT, there is noone there to help you, noone to call. At least in the city you can call 911, scream and usually someone will hear you.(Yes I know there are people who wont get involved but many will.)
This is why we continue to have people like this. Always changing to life in prison…hopefully they pulled his paperwork and knew he did a sexual offense. They don’t take kindly to that in prison. No women, no children. This guy was all the way bad.
Kyle, great video about this very sad chapter of AT history. I actually live in Salina, KS, the town where Molly and Geoff met. You score maximum points for pronouncing "Salina" correctly! (everyone not from Kansas always says "Sa-leen-a" [which, yes, is probably how it should be pronounced if it was a Spanish name]) I'm rather surprised that 30 years ago there was this church group here that did the young people wilderness treks ministry, as we don't really have what most people would call "wilderness areas" or "backcountry" around here. Yes, we have lots of grasslands, hills, nature, but not really classic outdoor trekking areas. We are however, just a 7 hour drive west on I-70 to the Colorado Rockies 😉
There is no way to avoid an encounter with a killer on the trails, but you can control the outcome of the encounter if you are armed, trained and confident. Even mace or pepper spray give you a chance.
I'm sorry, but none of this is true. There aren't two serial killers on the AT, and there is absolutely no reason to carry a gun on the AT. In the past 50 years there's been 10 murders on the AT. That's it. 10. 3 MILLION people set foot on the AT every year and 3 thousand attempt thru hikes. The odds of you winning the Powerball lottery are higher. It's a non issue. The AT is a super highway of hikers. It goes within 50 miles of the biggest cities in the US. You can see NYC from the AT. There's no point on the AT except for maybe the 100 mile wilderness in Maine where you are more than a days walk to a town. Hell, you can get pizza delivered to some shelters. Not kidding. It may seem rugged, but It's not the wilderness you think it is. If you wanna get scared of something on the AT, be scared of unleashed pitbulls, the noro virus, and lyme disease. Y'all need to stop watching BS missing 411 videos and go touch some grass....
@@littledrummergirl_19 apparently one who fits the “classic thru hiker” type. He blends in with everyone around him. The other one they suspect is more of a survivalist type. Stalking lone hikers and then pulling them off trail. The first one apparently has more bodies allegedly linked to him. I saw a documentary on a similar subject and they stated that fact from an FBI field agent. They both hunt women exclusively
You are the most non judgmental person ever. So kind! I however am not! This guys is one sick puppy! I’d be happy to finish the job he attempted with his first attempt on his life! Had he taken himself OUT, all the sorrow and pulverizing grief he caused could have been adverted. You sir, are way too nice, I’m not! A very old uneducated woodsman in Alabama once told me “ There are just people who need killin’”. Wise words from an unschooled man💕 The older you get, the less forgiving you are of Madmen!
There are many reasons humans kill. But on the flipside, some indeed just want to kill. They just like to kill and get a thrill out of killing. Like idiitic humans go to vacation to kill wildlife in Africa and pay money to go there and kill a lion. They just like to kill a lion, elephant...
Many, many hikers, both day and long distance hikers carry a pistol and/or a large knife - legally in Pennsylvania. I've see everything from machetes and loaded drop-leg military holsters to Glocks laying among camping gear at a campsite. For those unaware, it's not something to panic about if the person is not being threatening or crazy. It's probably just a PA guy carrying "protection".
Many beginners think a gun is a necessity. Every single person I know who started hiking with a gun, have since stopped carrying it. Every single person. Like Kyle said at the end of the video, it's just not needed given how safe hiking is.
A gen five Glock 17 weighs 2 lbs loaded by itself. With a leg holster, Extra mag you are looking at 4-5 lbs. My big Agnes tent and 20 degree bag weigh less than that together, and Im far from an ultralight hiker. You might make it shelter to shelter hauling that crap thru PA, try putting in consecutive 20+ mile days with a leg holster with a Glock in it thru rocksylvania.....
Not an issue if you stay in PA but you become a felon as soon as you step foot into Maryland or New York unless you happen to live in one of those utopian states and have received permission to possess a firearm from your rulers.
@@EthanDurantyeah right ..as long as this world goes on as it is ..and crazy people almost anywhere you go and wild animals/ wild dogs .. a person has to be in dream land to not have a firearm on them… I’m out in the world everyday.. and I see a lot of time’s I’m glad I have my firearm…
You do a remarkable job my friend. I just discovered your site a short while ago and all of your episodes along with your amazing commentaries are extra ordinary.
I really have to stop watching these right before bed 😮 There probably was no motive for him to kill them. He just did it. He obviously had the weapons for something, and he'd done it before. No reason, they were just there, like you said, wrong place, wrong time. 😢
Nobody has ever been murdered on the CDT or the PCT. No need to deal with all the paperwork needed to go to a foreign country and possibly being arrested for having or saying something that is illegal in Canada.
Well, I don’t know of anyone killed on the Continental decide trail from a Grizzly either. As for being arrested for “ having something or saying something that is illegal?” I’m not sure what’s being implied. It’s illegal to have open fires during a fire ban etc., so yes you might get fined if you break the laws, but I’m pretty sure USA would have the same rules and laws.
Since I’ve had my kids they have always been with us when we go camping. Since they were young. So when it’s time for bed I am so exhausted I don’t fall asleep I pass out usually. But the last time we went camping in North Carolina I couldn’t fall asleep. I love nature and am very used to all kinds of different animals walking around when we finally lay down for bed and put the fire out. But this night everything made as much noise as it could. I swear some of the animals were doing it on purpose! I was so upset I knew my kids would be getting me up before the sun. All I wanted was to sleep. I was literally begging God to help me but I just couldn’t sleep the sounds were just so weird and honestly scary!! Finally I gave up and just sat up opened my window on my tent and just watched. After a few minuets I noticed what all the noise was. There was a beautiful 8 point buck with a female and 2 fawns walking around my camp site. I was literally in tears. The way they snorted and moved around. It was really why I love camping so much. I was reminded that night/day that I am not alone out there it is not my usual environment and I need to respect the animals that call it there home. Since then (2009) I always love to lay in my tent and listen when I can’t sleep to the crickets and the beautiful sounds at night. Still not used to the spiders and snakes but I wouldn’t change anything about nature!! ❤❤
OK - I’ve been carrying a knife in my pocket or on my belt since I was about 6 - over 55 years - I don’t see the issue with it. It’s easy to apply an after-the-fact label to a behavior, but there was nothing out of the ordinary about that…
Many people are just uncomfortable with others carrying weapons for some reason. Although I don’t think he was commenting on the knife or gun, which are both normal things to carry. When he mentioned the weapons it was immediately followed by what he’d use them for. It’s just giving context for what he had at his disposal to commit the crime.
No there wasn't and furthermore, circumstances of your up bringing do not steer to the choices you make because of it. That is what happened to you, your choice is just that, a choice and from then on you are totallt responsible for what you do. Not a mental issue but a choice to be cruel and eventually evil. Darkness is a choice.
In the 90's just about every backpacker carried a decent outdoor knife. Lots carried a gun, too. Might have saved these two folks if they had one. Sad story.
@@waynejohnson1786 We are talking about 2 different places in the video. ”When he was only 12 years old - only 12, the cops caught him carrying a knife on his belt, which is not a good sign.” That’s a direct quote from the video. It’s an arbitrary label and classification that on it’s own has absolutely no merit. By the time I was 12 I always had either a Buck Folding Hunter or a Randall #1 on my belt AND either a Schrade or an Old Timer folding knife in my pocket. It was very much normal - not a harbinger of evil… Yes, it was 50 years ago, but looking at the photos I’m betting that’s about the right time frame.
I don't hike or even plan in it. I woke up to one of ur videos and it caught my attention so I restarted it and been enjoying ur channel all day ☺️ I'm so happy I accidentally stumbled on to ur channel its awesome 👍🏿👍🏿👍🏿❤
I don’t understand why anyone would venture into such a remote area without protection to defend themselves against people like this who seem to be everywhere, and animals that want to eat you.
I agree!! I ALWAYS carry a handgun when I hike or go camping. I am always wary when I see other people approaching me. I will talk to them but always keep about 10 feet between us. This just in case sight of my gun on my hip doesn't deter them from trying to do me harm.
I am really sorry to hear about all these victims of extraordinary nature of America. So much land with amazing life on it. Makes it easy to commit crime. It must be impossible to keep an eye on everyone
Duncannon in itself is just run down. Idk about hikers but as far as anyone else traveling in a car on 322... they only know where Duncannon is because of the Clarks Ferry Sheetz.
As someone who watches quite a bit of true crime content, a good way to describe what you struggled to is to say "R worded" or "SA'D" pronounced (ess aid)
7:00 >"when he was only twelve the cops caught him carrying a knife on his belt, which is not a good sign" silly, me and every single male kid I knew carried knives at that age. I didn't grow up in a city, though.
Unfortunately in 2020 the bar and restaurant was closed at the Doyle. It was really rundown but it was a cool time there. Very interesting building and i wondered about it's hayday as well.
I carry a knife in my bra and I carry pepper gel. If I lived in a less lefty state I would carry a firearm as well. I wouldn't say that him having a knife was cause for concern.
What's wrong with a 12 year old carrying a knife? That's when I joined boy scouts, and we were expected to carry a knife all the time. I have ever since.
I came here to say the same. Is he from the UK or something? Especially strange since he is a hiker, but he prob still doesn't have a knife. He doesn't seem very rugged for a hiker. Every kid had a knife when i was growing up, many collected knives. They use to make knives for kids in the past. They became popular for woodworking
Good thinking. The millions and millions of people who do that every day all end up getting murdered. They're all dead. But not you! You're too smart for that.
I don’t feel that way where I live. I was born in a Scottish city. Known to be one of the toughest. Its made me aware of my surroundings, but I don’t want to live like that. I moved to my beloved England, semi country and I love it. The peaceful town is lovely, I sleep with my windows open. So i get it, why people prefer out of the city.
There is no way I'd do a thruhike...or any hike, without a concealed weapon. I don't want to make others uncomfortable, so it would certainly stay concealed, but there are just too many crazies out there.
Not a lot of crazies. You hear about some stuff here on UA-cam but 99.99% of people there are normal, good people. These people were just in the wrong place at the wrong time.
I thru hiked the AT and PCT. It's almost impossible to hike the whole trail concealed carry. The logistics of it are insane. Reciprocity of your permit, no matter what state it's from is gonna be an issue. Some states in new England require in person application for out of state CCW carriers. I know many people who started the trail with a gun. Every single one of them shipped them home. The truth is, your drive to work is magnitudes more dangerous than a thru hike. A PLB (personal location beacon) like a spot or garmin inreach is infinity more useful. They sell them at any REI.
They dont make documentaries and UA-cam videos of regular, uneventful hikes, that are the vast majority. By that logic there are crazies everywhere, even in your own home. Maybe take your gun and move into a bunker? Oh man, I know one kid got killed in one of those too.. it might still be the best option for you, its that for sure the people around you (who are more likely to get killed by you, than a single crazy). Godspeed.
@@adriant1940 for real lol. They always have the strongest opinions about thru hiker culture and what others should be doing yet would never actually thru. Hell I doubt most of them have ever even been backpacking...
Hello 👋 I enjoy your channel 😊 and I'm a subscriber 👍 Who would think going on a hike you could be murdered 😮 is no place left that is spared from such horror 🤔
He probably killed them simply for their possessions and because he was just a bloodthirsty maniac… He’d have no problem ending the lives of young people just starting out in life over some measly supplies. Truly tragic 😢
222k !?!?! wtf I space off for like a couple months and BOOM. Yes! You deserve this dude. some sweet gear you might not know about or might not have made a vid about which are sick: outdoor edge knives, grayl ti. through hiking all that is a big market, prepping and general preparedness is waaay bigger imho
"You know whatted" could be "assaulted her dead body." I think UA-cam might be ok with that. And, my grandmother's maiden name was Thema Marks (not the one the shelter was named after), but other than the horrific nature of the crime, that makes me sad too.
Great save, u saying the safety on the trail is better then walking the street. All your stories come down to Death on this trail, making it scary. Being my age now, back in the day spent Alot of time in the mountains/woods camping or hiking makes me think.
People think they are exceptional animals in nature, where nature has no say. We have more and more become arrogant, naive, innocent, good-doers, believers in Lalaland and Disneyland, idiotic, delusional, idealising...and believe and think humans are not primates and animals. Not dangerous. Not predators, killers, nasty, dangerous... We humans where ALLWAYS dangerous as a animal species. We try to make us docile, weak, meak, non threatening, non violent and calling the ones having psychiatric disorders, personality disorders, aggression management disorders and so on. In reality we are in general dangerous. Women/men alike. Going anywhere unmollested? We live on earth. You wish... But it will never be.
FYI.. I'm 70 years old and when i was a kid,, 12 was a normal age for a boy to carry a knife. Cub Scouts carry knives. Nothing wrong with that. Its a survival tool.
still normal outside of cities full of wuss bootlickers.
True, I’m 62 and do the same, even at my cabin.
I'm 33 and I always had a pocket knife while roaming around at that age. I never thought it was strange
I got my first pocket knife from my dad at 13. It was all I wanted for my 13th birthday lol He showed me how to use it properly and, decades later, I still carry it around.
I feel naked without my knife, I've been carrying one almost daily since I was about 8.
In 1982(?) Molly LaRue, then a High School Senior, had entered a contest to design a family unity postage stamp, her design won and was produced by the United States Postal Service, a twenty cent stamp issued October 1, 1984
In 2023, such a stamp would be banned for racism.
❤❤❤❤❤❤
@@bungalowfeuhler1541really? Why? I’m 100% honestly curious
@@bungalowfeuhler1541 It absolutely would NOT be. It's stick figures with hearts for bodies. Get out of here with your gaslighting BS.
@@Pariah_Larry same. 🤨
Murder in its own is abhorrent but women in these situations almost always get twice the nightmare compared to their male companions by having to suffer the violation of assault. It’s absolutely disgusting
I've heard "raped and murdered" so many times that it I am shocked when it's just murdered.
Are you really gonna make this an oppression olympic between men and women when two people got murdered? Disgusting.
you have no idea how prevalent male rape is do you? bad is bad, not a competition
@@sweetjesus697umm 91% of all victims of r*pe/sexual assault are women, men are the other 9%. While it’s not a “competition” the statistics don’t lie.
@@sweetjesus697 saying women are often raped before being murdered isn’t the same as saying men don’t get raped
12:34 boy.. how nerve wracking that must’ve been.. you and your significant buddy find two other significant buddies, quite very slain, then you gotta walk back to wherever society is established well enough to reach the authorities, all the while wondering where the buddy slayer may be. How truly horrific.
And then you remember all the supernatural nonsense wandering around in Appalachia. No, thank you. 😊❤
@@Zyryne1there is nothing supernatural in Appalachia ur just delusional
I think people always look for motive when it's more about opportunity for some killers. RIP travellers
There's still a motive in opportunity killing, it's human nature to want to know a reason for something so horrible. Even if the reason is "because I wanted to see what it felt like". Why did they have that intention? If we don't figure out the why, we have no chance of preventing it. Which I think is the overall goal though it seems impossible at this point.
Why do so many (innocent? blessed? naïve?) people fail to understand that for some monsters, the sexual assault IS the motive? The murders were probably about control, cover-up, and guaranteed access to whatever they were carrying. Rest in Peace.
Their 'motive' IS sometimes ' their opportunity'.
Their 'oportunity' IS sometimes 'their motive'.
@@jeanvignes
Sometimes 'the motive or oportunity' is just another 'urge' or 'trigger', but for most men, rape is the finishing touch, because that is what is on their mind when seeing the oportunity before finishing her of.
Chimps finish eachother off many times, without sexual reasons.
Chimps also rape and bite, abuse, hit even viciously when wanting sex with a female if she does not want that chimp male or not at the same moment.
But chimps can be nasty and kill eachothers babies, kill their clan of.
Only family can be a little more protective.
Humans where allways primates, nasty, musty for the most part.
Exceptions exist, like exceptions elxist in chimps.
As a thoroughbred Londoner I will never be a thru hiker or have any desire to hike in these places but your channel is simply captivating. Thanks for the great work you do!
On the flip side, I’m a Yorkshire lass and super into hiking and unsure if I’m trying to talk myself down or prepare for all situations. 🤭 Doing a lot of jokes in the Scottish highlands this year. 🥰
@@kirstybrown1185 that sounds amazing…just don’t go to the Appalachian Trails 😁 have fun!!
I'm alone female hiker living in Wales... London born.
And I've walked all over including Yorkshire, lakes didn't really give Scotland much of a chance to be honest.
I did do Ben Nevis.
But it was just so vast and barren.
And I do have to be very selective of my choices because I am absolutely petrified of heights.
And I know that if I don't like the look of something I'm going up.
I won't do it incase I have to come down the same way😂
Snowdon is my favourite place on earth but I do love it all.
I do it on my own and nothing fazes me at all.
I've never had the feeling to be weary of anyone I have ever encountered.
And my instincts....I'm on fire.
My attitude has always been why would a psychopath climb a mountain to attack me??
In fact it was a very close encounter with danger.
Had it not been for my guardian angel that night.
That I was out for a power walk on the streets. That actually made me decide on walking more remotely.
And then I fell in love with it all, the beauty and the peace.
All that being said 🥴 I can tell you never in a million years would I go hiking through the states.
OR any other country with such vastness.
That it actually gives phyopaths a place to hangout, commit their crimes and get away with it.
@@kirstybrown1185
Same. I am pure city dweller through and through.
Same.
I'm from Hershey area and grew up backpacking, especially that stretch of the AT. My scout troop stayed at that shelter a few tines, and each time, we held a moment of silence. That was a big even for us even 6 years later.
This one hit me a little harder. I was the same age at that time and could have easily decided to hike the AT. Instead I traveled overseas and did Peace Corps. Something that was probably a tad more dangerous. Yet here I am, in my 50s, having a pretty good life. But they never got that chance.
Hey Kyle, my daughter Megan (BAG) ran into you on the PCT in No Cal yesterday. She was pretty excited to see you out there. Mom and I watch all your videos and love the true crime stuff you are doing
Shawn
What about justice for the hairdresser he killed? Was there never any trial?
And this guy has all the hallmarks of a serial killer.
There should be some serious investigation into unsolved cases in the areas where he lived or traveled.
Florida did send out extradition papers for him to be charged with the murder. At this point though, they knew it was him and her family will have had that closure, he wouldn’t have got extra time for it. So this would just waste tax payers money, so a few people felt “satisfied”. Can’t imagine further victims weren’t looked at as possibilities. That’s one of the first things done in a serial killer case. It’s good to remember that this is a short documentary on the victims, not the murderer. They are available though.
Kyle, thanks for shedding light on this dreadful but important aspect of hiking on the AT. I'm from that area of PA and have hiked through this very portion of the trail several times. People in those hills are like Darlene in Ozark, with their own code and they follow it rigidly. Best advice: go with your gut if you feel uneasy, get out of a place; don't hike there alone and always let someone know you're going somewhere. Bring a properly charged phone.
My wife and I through hiked in 98 and spent several nights in shelters with lone males. These men were complete strangers, not having met while hiking. They all seemed nice enough but my take away is that we could have been victims of a mentally ill person.
An "event" happened in Penn. also in 98. We arrived at a shelter(can't remember) and it was a bit odd that someone had left kindling, firewood as well as an odd assortment of news papers and magazine.We thought trail maintainers had done so. I'm not a "believer in ghosts" type person but my wife and I had a creepy feeling about the shelter, beyond the things we found there. No one showed up. We left the next morning as usual. My wife was on the ATC board at the time so later that week she called a lady she knew who worked with the local trail crew. The lady said a young couple had been murdered at the shelter and there were plans to tear it down and rebuild.
We also met several men who I though acted oddly along the way. They were not aggressive but my gut told me to move on.
I'm sorry I don't remember the shelter in Penn. but I believe it was north of Duncannon. If anyone has some information about this I would appreciate more information.
Personally, I don't believe you can prevent all tragedies but I think precautions are important. If I were to hike the AT again, I would not hike alone nor would I stay in shelters. I would "stealth" camp as much as possible. I would also take a "mace type" spray.
Picking a hiking partner takes a lot of thought. The wrong partner can ruin a trip.
Thanks Kyle.
I enjoyed reading your comment, and I’m just glad you and your wife made it out safe. 🫶🏽
I found this on a website abt crimes that occurred on or near the AT…..
1990: GEOFFREY HOOD AND MOLLY LARUE
Murderer: Paul David Crews
Where: Thelma Marks Shelter, Duncannon, PA
Motive: Mentally unstable
Geoffrey Hood, 26, and Molly LaRue, 25, were a young thru-hiking couple who spent their last night staying at a shelter near Cove Mountain.
They were shot and stabbed by Paul David Crews, a wanted killer on the run from Florida police.
Eight days following the murder, West Virginia police arrested Crews after hikers noticed him acting strange and awkwardly carrying an ill-fitting, overstuffed backpack (Hood’s) which included both murder weapons and the young couple's belongings.
Crews, a manic-depressive and frequent drug user, was charged with two counts of first-degree murder and is currently serving two life sentences without the chance of parole.
©
You spelled firearm wrong.
Thelma Marks shelter on top of Cove Mountain is where this happened, near Duncannon
@@BriLovesKirra- Comments with no @ name, are in response to the OP.
I did this section plus 200 miles when I was 13 in 1999. Still to this day the most beautiful hiking I have ever done. The adults we met along the way were great and gave us food and trail names. I faced my fear of heights and jumped off a cliff into a lake thing below. It changed me.. To think this happened there is just so sad. Those poor people.. The people ive loved like that I can't imagine helplessly watching them get killed as I die too. Awful cold world.
What a terrible and horrific crime. Be safe out there!
Carrying a firearm and a knife is not unreasonable, in fact, its wise to carry both hiking, camping or similar.
Kids having a knife, especially in the 60's, 70's and 80's was not uncommon.
me and my friends were literally covered in knives at age twelve lol, this guy acts like it means you're going to kill people as an adult.
Keep saying covered in them like it makes sense. That implies they were in you. You carried lots. Just say a normal thing. If you’re actually thick enough to think it doesn’t happen. Then you shouldn’t have carried knives because you clearly didn’t have the mental capacity for it. If you were being educated on them and your parents understood what they were doing. Amazing. You don’t know he had a regular healthy upbringing. What he said was rational. What you’re saying isn’t.
@@kirstybrown1185 what I said are straightforward facts. Don't know what your problem is.
@@janedoe-hq9vn think this toxic mf is saying that you are defending the killer
@@Nba2k20ishere no, quiet the opposite.
Horrific. Sending prayers of peace to the families suffering from the loss of their children.
You're an excellent presenter and happy I found your channel. Thank you for being you!
Better to have protection and not need it than need it and not have it.
This is exactly what's wrong with American culture, thinking this is a normal way to live
Carrying a hunting knife, isn’t protecting yourself, it’s preparing yourself, to hunt.
@@pazza4555It's part what makes America great, actually. Keep rockin! 🇺🇲🤟
@@pazza4555 getting mauled by a bear being assaulted and murdered is also normal
I’ve been carrying mace and a knife since I was 21. Not just hiking but walking in the city. Working nights I often end up walking my myself late and night and have been followed multiple times. Nothing says “not an easy victim”like flipping your concealed blade open when someone has been following you and inching closer and closer. Always be aware of your surroundings.
Same. I always carry a knife, scissors, and flamable hairspray.
We can't carry firearms, and pepper spray here is now sold only if you have a firearm permit... I am illegal carrying a knife, but I don't give a damn, I have been stalked and followed too many times, since I was 14. For now, confronting the person aggressively and/or being smart about my change of routes has/have been enough, but I am always ready. It's more a matter of "when" rather then "if". I know I am seen as prey when I walk alone. I behave accordingly to the worst that can happen.
@@jessicaferrari3987 Good for you being proactive. If you run out of hairspray consider hornet spray or wasp spray and perhaps a high pitched sound device. A girl doesn't want to run out of hairspray.
@jessicaferrari3987 knifes are legal to carry
I just carry a firearm knife wont do any good when they got range on you and guy was ex military
When I was 21 I got a Smith and Wesson shield. then I got my concealed carry license. I still sleep with it under my pillow nowadays. Nothing says “not an easy victim” like hearing my pistol slide out of the holster. But you do you honey do what works best for you. A lot of people just don’t have anything
I know what you're saying but also, it's not illegal in most places to carry a pistol and a knife
Maybe you've already done a video on him, but what about "Sovereign" (I think that's what he went by)? He was arrested before the murder and attempted murder after some AT hikers reported his threatening behavior to the local sheriff. Problem was none of the hikers was willing to come back and testify at his preliminary hearing because they needed to finish the AT. As a result he was let go, and was free to murder. I hope those hikers think about their selfishness for the rest of their lives.
Life in prison, to me, is an odd concept. Someone, for instance, takes another person or persons life or lives, then gets to live another 30+ years themselves. Eating, reading, watching tv, playing video games, interacting with other people, talking to relatives and loved ones, maybe not exactly enjoying life to the fullest extent, but still living and not all too terribly at that. All the while someone out there is still hurting over their missing loved ones.... Sure, being confined to a cell or a building in general does suck, I’ve been there myself. But it’s also super easy considering there are no bills you have to pay (without mentioning any debt wracked up with other inmates), no job to get to, no kids to pick up, no pets to maintain. Nothing. To the right person, life imprisonment after a heinous crime has been committed is basically like sending a kid to their room in this day and age-that’s where all the toys and free time is. And trust me on that too, as I’ve seen many men who were all too happy to be back inside. You’d be surprised how many people in prison are literally right were they want to be. I think granting someone life for having taken a life themselves is a tragic oversight.
I know there are people who are glad to be back in because they have no ability to function on the outside, and sometimes no desire to learn. The people I've known who've been incarcerated, which is just a handful, certainly give me the impression that it's still a nightmare, especially for violent offenders. One guy I know was at a notoriously rough prison during riots, and in the worst block too. Fortunately, he's been out for a long time and living a respectful life that includes working with young men to keep them out of gangs. The only thing I can say is that locking people up is what we do in a civilized society versus killing them. I'm understanding of the reasons people support the death penalty, but ultimately am against it. In the US, we have the largest per capita prison population in the world, more than places like China. We are unusual for a developed country for having a death penalty, and we are in a tiny group of countries who execute people with intellectual disabilities. It's a list of countries so bad that you don't normally associate with the US. We're also a country awash with weapons. What we're doing isn't working.
@@pazza4555 The issue I have with the death penalty is that we see more and more cases of people being found innocent while on death row, and at times, unfortunately, after they have been executed. The Innocence Project has declared that, in their estimation, 30% of those on death row in Florida are likely innocent of the crime for which they have been accused. That's just one state. I'm a strong advocate for law and order, but the thought that an innocent person was killed for a crime they may eventually be found not guilty of doesn't sit well with me. An innocent person dying is an innocent person dying, no matter what the intentions were. We can't have an infallible system, and a death penalty only makes sense to me (in certain cases) if we could.
Idk man, I’d rather be killed than confined to a building the rest of my life
Does your comment imply that you believe in the death penalty.? That’s final for all when carried out, including the innocent ones.
I get what you’re saying, but in practice it makes no sense. Because of human rights, it costs much more for a death penalty trial than to incarcerate someone for life, why do tax payers have to pay more, just so someone can die? Then what about the potential for a mistake. A death can’t be reversed, a sentence can. I get the appeal but I’m really happy, for those 2 reasons it’s not a thing in my country.
The time frame of his military 'service' put this guy in the Vietnam war. I seriously hope he wasn't overseas, because he probably did even worse things there.
There are a lot of psychos in the military.
I thought oh no he was in the marines.
FYI, most of the guys who let loose in Vietnam were acting out of revenge for what they saw happen to their comrades. It's horrible, but the things they saw would make anyone lose their mind.
@@lilyw.719 “most” do you have anything for me to read up on this? From all the things you have access to, actually shows the opposite. It’s called she’ll shock though and it’s medically known people act irrationally in this moment. So, their comrades could’ve just bombed a village, was shot in retaliation, then their friends, see the bomber as the hard done by soldier, nope, he just bombed a village. The USA invaded Vietnam. They were the oppressors, they were the wrong ones in that war and it’s globally accepted now. They had no reason other financial motivation to even be there. I feel for the US soldiers being there, I don’t feel for them thinking they’re the victims and losing their shit on actual victims.
no reason?
google communism.
google the cold war.
the oppressors were North Vietnamese Communists invading South Vietnam.
the left educated you didnt they.@@kirstybrown1185
@@kirstybrown1185many of those soldiers had NO CHOICE but to be there. It wasn’t their decision and the fact that they came home messed up is the government’s fault. While it is always an individual’s own fault if they hurt someone, Vietnam vets who were drafted were as much victims of the war as the Vietnamese.
It was a crime that the war happened, but most of the soldiers weren’t at fault.
Look into the murder of two Appalachian Trail hikers in 1981. I was on the trail just behind them, a little south of Pearisburg, Virginia. They did catch the murderer.
12 year olds having pocketknives is pretty damn normal.
absolutely, depending on where you live! I had my first at age 8. Granted, it only had about an inch and a half long blade, and i forgot it at home most of the time, and definitely didn't carry it in the city or to places like school. But in the woods? always.
Having a pocket knife is normal but carrying it is very situation dependent.
@@t42coffee the whole point of having a pocket knife is to carry it on oneself. stop with the 2020 illogical thinking
@@t42coffeeit’s a pocket knife, it stays in the pocket. It does you no good if it’s home.
@@frigyou1078exactly. I’ve saved myself a lot of trouble always having a knife, none of it was human trouble.
I am one of the 20% who have subscribed. The "other 80%" need to lift their game...To my fellow 20 percent-ers ~ We are legends 😂🇦🇺
Agreed ❤ 🇬🇧🤝🇦🇺
I feel like when it comes to hiking, those of us without guns are always at a disadvantage. I always carry bear mase, a knife, and small cast iron frying pan (usually for backpacking adventures) lol its not only people we need to watch out for. Sometimes the wildlife is unpredictable.
Stay strapped.
Just to be clear, here in the South, it isnt uncommon for a 12yr old to have a knife. We usually get them from our parents or family when they think we're old enough.
It’s completely unnecessary. You are FAR more likely to be killed by falling or drowning than by a person out on the trail. Besides, a bear spray is just as effective for 99% of self defence applications. Like, logistically speaking, if you’re gonna kill someone with a gun on a trail, they will just shoot you before you have the chance to draw your weapon.
normal over here in the rockies too, me and every kid I knew were covered with knives at that age.
Duncannon seems to be one of those spots where…you keep going until you drop and then keep going some more. A couple years ago a woman ran into some unsavory characters in that town and she kept running into them. So a couple helped bring her further down the trail so she could hike in and away from them.
In the early 80’s another couple were murdered in which there was a boom written, Murder On The Appalachian Trail.
been loving the new content kyle!!! it's been amazing to see you grow so much lately! so so so happy for you 😁🫶🏻
This is such a sad story. Im glad I found your channel and ty you for sharing this with us. May the couple rest in peace 🕊️ and my condolences to the families its just awful that they will never have closure for their deaths but hopefully they will find peace that they are together. ❤🙏😢❤️🙏🕊️
Tough crowd in the comments section. Sad story, well told, keep it up.
So sad!!!! Not sure I ever will hike the AT but I agree on your statement that trails are safer that walking down a city street
Great video Kyle, thank you for sharing it. That was a real tragedy. Stay safe out there.
Stay effin STRAPPED
You had me until "having a knife at 12" When I was twelve, in the 80s, almost all boys had knives. I used to sharpen my pencils at school with one. We had hunters ed in school and we brought our guns to class to clean. This was no big deal. It's sad how our society is now such a bunch of pansies that a 12 yr old boy having a knife is looked at as some kind of indication of mental illness. As far as the rest of the video, good work.
me and every single kid I knew carried knives at that age, we grew up in the country. we did all kinds of things that city folk act like are indicators of mental illness, when I think I had a far healthier upbringing than anyone who grew up in a box surrounded by concrete.
My youngest brother uses to play with knives all the time when he was a kid he loved building stuff and digging in ground while playing with his cars, and he's a complete normal person now he is 28
Great coverage! Unbelievable horrible story. Just unreal how crazy some people are. I've told this story myself and it's just awful. I appreciate you continuing the story, and honestly like you I can't believe how these things happen:(
I’m an avid hiker and always carry a gun in a front fanny-pack holster that is open so I can quickly get to it.
Good for you
i'm so glad you're not on my trails then
@@jlt131 How do you know I’m not? Nothing wrong with hiking with firearm protection. You’d be the first one wishing you had a gun if some lunatic came at you with an axe or gun.
@@fancy39 I know it because it's illegal in my country. I've been charged by a bear, I've been stalked by a cougar, I've been surrounded/cornered by a pack of wolves. None of these times did I think a gun could've helped the situation. As for lunatics... There are plenty more of them in the city than in the woods.
@@jlt131 I don’t carry a gun because of animals.
So one point - although its rare to have an incident like this on the AT, there is noone there to help you, noone to call. At least in the city you can call 911, scream and usually someone will hear you.(Yes I know there are people who wont get involved but many will.)
This is why we continue to have people like this. Always changing to life in prison…hopefully they pulled his paperwork and knew he did a sexual offense. They don’t take kindly to that in prison. No women, no children. This guy was all the way bad.
Elderly and handicapped also.
Great video Kyle. Comments are kinda goofy but I'm sure you're used to that by now lmao
Kyle, great video about this very sad chapter of AT history. I actually live in Salina, KS, the town where Molly and Geoff met. You score maximum points for pronouncing "Salina" correctly! (everyone not from Kansas always says "Sa-leen-a" [which, yes, is probably how it should be pronounced if it was a Spanish name]) I'm rather surprised that 30 years ago there was this church group here that did the young people wilderness treks ministry, as we don't really have what most people would call "wilderness areas" or "backcountry" around here. Yes, we have lots of grasslands, hills, nature, but not really classic outdoor trekking areas. We are however, just a 7 hour drive west on I-70 to the Colorado Rockies 😉
There is no way to avoid an encounter with a killer on the trails, but you can control the outcome of the encounter if you are armed, trained and confident. Even mace or pepper spray give you a chance.
The FBI thinks there are currently two active serial killers on the AT. You couldn’t pick a better place to do it 🤷🏻🔪
Also, never sleep.
I'm sorry, but none of this is true. There aren't two serial killers on the AT, and there is absolutely no reason to carry a gun on the AT. In the past 50 years there's been 10 murders on the AT. That's it. 10. 3 MILLION people set foot on the AT every year and 3 thousand attempt thru hikes. The odds of you winning the Powerball lottery are higher. It's a non issue. The AT is a super highway of hikers. It goes within 50 miles of the biggest cities in the US. You can see NYC from the AT. There's no point on the AT except for maybe the 100 mile wilderness in Maine where you are more than a days walk to a town. Hell, you can get pizza delivered to some shelters. Not kidding. It may seem rugged, but It's not the wilderness you think it is. If you wanna get scared of something on the AT, be scared of unleashed pitbulls, the noro virus, and lyme disease. Y'all need to stop watching BS missing 411 videos and go touch some grass....
@@barbarossa1780 wait for real? What’s the news on that?
@@littledrummergirl_19 apparently one who fits the “classic thru hiker” type. He blends in with everyone around him. The other one they suspect is more of a survivalist type. Stalking lone hikers and then pulling them off trail.
The first one apparently has more bodies allegedly linked to him. I saw a documentary on a similar subject and they stated that fact from an FBI field agent.
They both hunt women exclusively
That's so sad I would never hike the Appalachian trail it's to dangerous Part of it runs through my hometown and people are mean on that trail
You are the most non judgmental person ever. So kind! I however am not! This guys is one sick puppy! I’d be happy to finish the job he attempted with his first attempt on his life!
Had he taken himself OUT, all the sorrow and pulverizing grief he caused could have been adverted.
You sir, are way too nice, I’m not! A very old uneducated woodsman in Alabama once told
me “ There are just people who need killin’”. Wise words from an unschooled man💕
The older you get, the less forgiving you are of Madmen!
There are many reasons humans kill.
But on the flipside, some indeed just want to kill. They just like to kill and get a thrill out of killing.
Like idiitic humans go to vacation to kill wildlife in Africa and pay money to go there and kill a lion. They just like to kill a lion, elephant...
The biggest danger aren't animals it's people. It's not popular but this why I carry a gun.
Then stay at home
Many, many hikers, both day and long distance hikers carry a pistol and/or a large knife - legally in Pennsylvania. I've see everything from machetes and loaded drop-leg military holsters to Glocks laying among camping gear at a campsite. For those unaware, it's not something to panic about if the person is not being threatening or crazy. It's probably just a PA guy carrying "protection".
Many beginners think a gun is a necessity. Every single person I know who started hiking with a gun, have since stopped carrying it. Every single person. Like Kyle said at the end of the video, it's just not needed given how safe hiking is.
A gen five Glock 17 weighs 2 lbs loaded by itself. With a leg holster, Extra mag you are looking at 4-5 lbs. My big Agnes tent and 20 degree bag weigh less than that together, and Im far from an ultralight hiker. You might make it shelter to shelter hauling that crap thru PA, try putting in consecutive 20+ mile days with a leg holster with a Glock in it thru rocksylvania.....
Not an issue if you stay in PA but you become a felon as soon as you step foot into Maryland or New York unless you happen to live in one of those utopian states and have received permission to possess a firearm from your rulers.
@@EthanDurantyeah right ..as long as this world goes on as it is ..and crazy people almost anywhere you go and wild animals/ wild dogs .. a person has to be in dream land to not have a firearm on them… I’m out in the world everyday.. and I see a lot of time’s I’m glad I have my firearm…
Had that couple been carrying a firearm more than likely they would still be alive today…
You do a remarkable job my friend. I just discovered your site a short while ago and all of your episodes along with your amazing commentaries are extra ordinary.
It took them 12 years to finally decide to tear down that shelter? I would have thought that would have been done right away.
Why? I think it was torn down for a newer one, not because of the murders.
I really have to stop watching these right before bed 😮
There probably was no motive for him to kill them. He just did it. He obviously had the weapons for something, and he'd done it before. No reason, they were just there, like you said, wrong place, wrong time. 😢
I came back to watch this after you mentioned an update in your newer video. My hearts go out to their families.
We all agree that this was a tragedy, but carrying a belt knife is not a bad sign.
this guy comes off as such a city wuss. guess that's why all his videos about hiking are him sitting in a room and not outside.
This is all very interesting! I love your content. Keep up the amazing work!
Thanks for covering the story!
Hike the Great Divide Trail in Canadian Rockies, nobody has ever been murdered there!
Lot of people killed by bears though.
Yet 👀
Nobody has ever been murdered on the CDT or the PCT. No need to deal with all the paperwork needed to go to a foreign country and possibly being arrested for having or saying something that is illegal in Canada.
Well, I don’t know of anyone killed on the Continental decide trail from a Grizzly either. As for being arrested for “ having something or saying something that is illegal?” I’m not sure what’s being implied. It’s illegal to have open fires during a fire ban etc., so yes you might get fined if you break the laws, but I’m pretty sure USA would have the same rules and laws.
@@Parkhurst12-79🤦🏻♂️
I’ve told all my hiker friends about your videos! So much good information. ❤️
Since I’ve had my kids they have always been with us when we go camping. Since they were young. So when it’s time for bed I am so exhausted I don’t fall asleep I pass out usually. But the last time we went camping in North Carolina I couldn’t fall asleep. I love nature and am very used to all kinds of different animals walking around when we finally lay down for bed and put the fire out. But this night everything made as much noise as it could. I swear some of the animals were doing it on purpose! I was so upset I knew my kids would be getting me up before the sun. All I wanted was to sleep. I was literally begging God to help me but I just couldn’t sleep the sounds were just so weird and honestly scary!! Finally I gave up and just sat up opened my window on my tent and just watched. After a few minuets I noticed what all the noise was. There was a beautiful 8 point buck with a female and 2 fawns walking around my camp site. I was literally in tears. The way they snorted and moved around. It was really why I love camping so much. I was reminded that night/day that I am not alone out there it is not my usual environment and I need to respect the animals that call it there home. Since then (2009) I always love to lay in my tent and listen when I can’t sleep to the crickets and the beautiful sounds at night. Still not used to the spiders and snakes but I wouldn’t change anything about nature!! ❤❤
How sad that we cannot even say r#p* when discussing crimes, but these vicious criminals assault others in this hideous way every day.
OK - I’ve been carrying a knife in my pocket or on my belt since I was about 6 - over 55 years - I don’t see the issue with it. It’s easy to apply an after-the-fact label to a behavior, but there was nothing out of the ordinary about that…
Many people are just uncomfortable with others carrying weapons for some reason.
Although I don’t think he was commenting on the knife or gun, which are both normal things to carry. When he mentioned the weapons it was immediately followed by what he’d use them for. It’s just giving context for what he had at his disposal to commit the crime.
No there wasn't and furthermore, circumstances of your up bringing do not steer to the choices you make because of it. That is what happened to you, your choice is just that, a choice and from then on you are totallt responsible for what you do. Not a mental issue but a choice to be cruel and eventually evil. Darkness is a choice.
We all grew up with at least a pocket knife , I am 67
In the 90's just about every backpacker carried a decent outdoor knife. Lots carried a gun, too. Might have saved these two folks if they had one. Sad story.
@@waynejohnson1786 We are talking about 2 different places in the video. ”When he was only 12 years old - only 12, the cops caught him carrying a knife on his belt, which is not a good sign.” That’s a direct quote from the video. It’s an arbitrary label and classification that on it’s own has absolutely no merit. By the time I was 12 I always had either a Buck Folding Hunter or a Randall #1 on my belt AND either a Schrade or an Old Timer folding knife in my pocket. It was very much normal - not a harbinger of evil… Yes, it was 50 years ago, but looking at the photos I’m betting that’s about the right time frame.
Ya the Appalachia… well everything is a no go for me. To much weird shit happens there. Wild people, disappearances, murders, no thank you…..
I don't hike or even plan in it. I woke up to one of ur videos and it caught my attention so I restarted it and been enjoying ur channel all day ☺️ I'm so happy I accidentally stumbled on to ur channel its awesome 👍🏿👍🏿👍🏿❤
May they rest in peaceful sleep together for always 🙏 ❤😢
I don’t understand why anyone would venture into such a remote area without protection to defend themselves against people like this who seem to be everywhere, and animals that want to eat you.
I agree!! I ALWAYS carry a handgun when I hike or go camping. I am always wary when I see other people approaching me. I will talk to them but always keep about 10 feet between us. This just in case sight of my gun on my hip doesn't deter them from trying to do me harm.
Thats the most american thing ive ever read lol
Because you do not understand the concept of UL hiking. That does not include weapons.
And most hikers ar UL hikers.
@@Gdwghandle1983 I thought the same xD
It is hard to protect yourself when someone suddenly shoots u, you never expect it
I am really sorry to hear about all these victims of extraordinary nature of America. So much land with amazing life on it. Makes it easy to commit crime. It must be impossible to keep an eye on everyone
Very sad. Thanks for sharing
Love the content Kyle
It is so sad that there are evil people like that in this world .
Duncannon in itself is just run down. Idk about hikers but as far as anyone else traveling in a car on 322... they only know where Duncannon is because of the Clarks Ferry Sheetz.
As someone who watches quite a bit of true crime content, a good way to describe what you struggled to is to say "R worded" or "SA'D" pronounced (ess aid)
7:00 >"when he was only twelve the cops caught him carrying a knife on his belt, which is not a good sign"
silly, me and every single male kid I knew carried knives at that age. I didn't grow up in a city, though.
Your editing is given me anxiety..lol..one sentence at a time!!..lol
On a significantly lighter note. As a Kansan, I'm happy to hear someone pronounce Salina correctly.
Oh no, I can not believe that man lived in Loris, SC lol. That's messed up
Unfortunately in 2020 the bar and restaurant was closed at the Doyle. It was really rundown but it was a cool time there. Very interesting building and i wondered about it's hayday as well.
How do you go on one of these hikes and not carry protection?
Guns wouldn't have helped.
Tragic story. Well told. However, odd background music.
Are you going to do a video on Julian Sands?
So frightening.
I love hearing your stories!
Weird that this is joyful to you.
I carry a knife in my bra and I carry pepper gel. If I lived in a less lefty state I would carry a firearm as well. I wouldn't say that him having a knife was cause for concern.
What's wrong with a 12 year old carrying a knife? That's when I joined boy scouts, and we were expected to carry a knife all the time. I have ever since.
I came here to say the same. Is he from the UK or something? Especially strange since he is a hiker, but he prob still doesn't have a knife. He doesn't seem very rugged for a hiker. Every kid had a knife when i was growing up, many collected knives. They use to make knives for kids in the past. They became popular for woodworking
Great job Kyle!! Nailgun
I actually would never walk down ANY major city road at all, not this day and age. Not even during the day.
Taking the opinion to its logical conclusion, I respect that. What about the minor roads 😳
@@Zoomboomdoom414 yes, that’s why I live in the country. It would suck to have to walk in major cities especially as my demographic. Peace
Good thinking. The millions and millions of people who do that every day all end up getting murdered. They're all dead. But not you! You're too smart for that.
Funny that many city types would feel the same about walking down your roads.
I don’t feel that way where I live. I was born in a Scottish city. Known to be one of the toughest. Its made me aware of my surroundings, but I don’t want to live like that. I moved to my beloved England, semi country and I love it. The peaceful town is lovely, I sleep with my windows open. So i get it, why people prefer out of the city.
There is no way I'd do a thruhike...or any hike, without a concealed weapon. I don't want to make others uncomfortable, so it would certainly stay concealed, but there are just too many crazies out there.
I absolutely agree with you. It is important to be able to protect yourself.
Not a lot of crazies. You hear about some stuff here on UA-cam but 99.99% of people there are normal, good people. These people were just in the wrong place at the wrong time.
I thru hiked the AT and PCT. It's almost impossible to hike the whole trail concealed carry. The logistics of it are insane. Reciprocity of your permit, no matter what state it's from is gonna be an issue. Some states in new England require in person application for out of state CCW carriers. I know many people who started the trail with a gun. Every single one of them shipped them home.
The truth is, your drive to work is magnitudes more dangerous than a thru hike. A PLB (personal location beacon) like a spot or garmin inreach is infinity more useful. They sell them at any REI.
They dont make documentaries and UA-cam videos of regular, uneventful hikes, that are the vast majority. By that logic there are crazies everywhere, even in your own home. Maybe take your gun and move into a bunker? Oh man, I know one kid got killed in one of those too.. it might still be the best option for you, its that for sure the people around you (who are more likely to get killed by you, than a single crazy). Godspeed.
@@adriant1940 for real lol. They always have the strongest opinions about thru hiker culture and what others should be doing yet would never actually thru. Hell I doubt most of them have ever even been backpacking...
Hello 👋 I enjoy your channel 😊 and I'm a subscriber 👍
Who would think going on a hike you could be murdered 😮 is no place left that is spared from such horror 🤔
Found your channel through the YT shorts..just subscribed =)
God bless the loved ones of this couple.
He probably killed them simply for their possessions and because he was just a bloodthirsty maniac… He’d have no problem ending the lives of young people just starting out in life over some measly supplies. Truly tragic 😢
I never knew he was from Signal Mtn. That’s my stomping ground
0:48 1990 ? Wearing combat boots and a flannel ? That was a very popular trend in what people wore during the days of grunge. Just saying
222k !?!?! wtf
I space off for like a couple months and BOOM. Yes! You deserve this dude.
some sweet gear you might not know about or might not have made a vid about which are sick: outdoor edge knives, grayl ti.
through hiking all that is a big market, prepping and general preparedness is waaay bigger imho
@ Kyle Hates Hiking Have you done a video of the murder of Rebecca Wight in 1988? If not you may want to look into the case.
Anyone else getting skipper adds that skip to another add. I swear I will pay for a TV licence again 😂😂
Can you make a video on lightning and thunder storms It’s a thing for areas near me especially lightning like how do I avoid that stuff
Thanks Kyle
"You know whatted" could be "assaulted her dead body." I think UA-cam might be ok with that.
And, my grandmother's maiden name was Thema Marks (not the one the shelter was named after), but other than the horrific nature of the crime, that makes me sad too.
Great save, u saying the safety on the trail is better then walking the street.
All your stories come down to Death on this trail, making it scary.
Being my age now, back in the day spent Alot of time in the mountains/woods camping or hiking makes me think.
No such thing as wrong time wrong place, people should be able to go anywhere unmolested.
People think they are exceptional animals in nature, where nature has no say.
We have more and more become arrogant, naive, innocent, good-doers, believers in Lalaland and Disneyland, idiotic, delusional, idealising...and believe and think humans are not primates and animals. Not dangerous. Not predators, killers, nasty, dangerous...
We humans where ALLWAYS dangerous as a animal species.
We try to make us docile, weak, meak, non threatening, non violent and calling the ones having psychiatric disorders, personality disorders, aggression management disorders and so on.
In reality we are in general dangerous. Women/men alike.
Going anywhere unmollested?
We live on earth.
You wish...
But it will never be.
Hurt people hurt people.
Is there some music in the background? Lol it's distracting lol love your vids tho 😎
All I have say is when someone gives you that creepy vibe…listen.