Why the Hell aren't people talking about this Appalachian Trail Murder?
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- Опубліковано 6 жов 2024
- Scott Lilly was murdered while hiking the Appalachian Trail in 2011. Nobody talks about it and I think it's time that changes.
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I'm getting a lot of good feedback, so I think I'll do some more videos like this going forward. So PLEASE hit the Subscribe button, and more importantly keep Scott Lilly in your thoughts and prayers! I hope his killer is brought to justice, and soon 🤞
Me too, but whoever killed him was no amateur. It takes minutes to strangle someone to death and strength too. It's not exactly an easy way to kill someone. The xases that haven't been solved are tragic. I mean, they're ALL tragic, but that could happen to any hiker. Add: Worthy content, Kyle. Very worthwhile.
I'd love to hear more theories or info on this. Maybe keeping it in the news will get some clues to solve it.
Isn't that the area where some nut thought he was protecting indian land?
I found an abandoned pack on the PCT in NorCal - a bunch of people had commented about it on FarOut too. It got my wheels turning. I wondered if it belonged to someone who’d disappeared. I took pics of it and was going to send them to the sheriff when I got to town, but then I totally forgot.
I hope you do make some more videos like this! It's a very interesting topic and I enjoyed your insight on it. Also your mom said to tell you she liked it too!👍😂
If you covered a hiker death every so often I would find that interesting. Not just the AT but other trails also. I like the idea of remembering these people. It's sad but shows respect.
I'm glad you enjoyed the video. I hope Scott's killer is brought to justice.
Also learning from their mistakes, maybe not this case so much, but Kyle had a great conversation about hiker safety on this Trail Tales podcast with the dad of a hiker that died on the PCT in a steep, slippery section
@@KyleHatesHiking G'day I've just subscribed and I'd be more interested if you could please do more of these unfortunate topics thank you very much 💯 percent 👍🕵️
Especially if it helps hikers address safety issues and if there are things to look out for. With trail angels supposed to be trustworthy, how would one know if one is faking it to find victims? People who watch true crime know all too well these case are not uncommon to people outdoors. It doesn't have to be a major through hike to be dangerous. Lots of people are just out on a walk in the woods or on a simple vacation trip and fall victim.
are the click baity titles respectful though? wouldn’t it be more respectful to their memory to tell it like it was and avoid dramatization for content?
I've never seen this channel but I had to click when I saw Stonewall's picture. I met him when I wasn't too far outside of Harpers Ferry. It was later in the evening, right after a downpour. If I remember correctly (this was almost 12 years ago), he was already set up in the shelter for the night, but I was in a rush to make miles as I had gotten behind while waiting for a friend that never caught up.
He offered to fill my water bladder up but I walked down to the water source with him. We were both pissed that, as usual, the hiker's guide said the water was close when it wasn't. We ate dinner and talked hiker talk; he told me about trail conditions I'd face going north and I told him about the trail heading south.
I had later heard about a murder but didn't think anything about it as many people were using his legal name and I didn't know it, he was simply Stonewall to me. It wasn't until I was in Vermont that I actually saw his picture and recognized him. It was such a surreal feeling to have someone who seemed so far from death, to sit and eat with him and talk to him like someone I'd known for years, and to know he was gone.
I'll randomly reminisce about my journey on the trail every so often, and I'll find myself searching for his picture to see if any updates have been made in the case. But, nothing.
I don't think his murder had anything to do with his gear or over money, from what he had told me, most of his gear was straight out of Walmart. If I remember correctly, his pack was from Walmart, his tent, sleeping bag, boots, etc. And you're right, ultralight backpacking wasn't super popular at that point, but even the normal gear most hikers had with them cost considerably more than what you'd find in Walmart. So, unless it was an opportunist that didn't realize he wasn't carrying expensive gear, I imagine the motives had to be something else.
It's crazy to see how fast over a decade has gone by. I'd like to think one day I'll see an update video from you saying that his killer has been caught. Thanks for making this video.
Well gear is gear if you are running from the law and don't have any of your own. Taking his shoes seems like something someone would only do if they really needed them or was a huge creep. A criminal on the run may get you for a few meals if they are hungry enough. Also strangling the guy could be a sign the murderer didn't even have a knife. With a bit of luck justice will be served and the family will find out. I would be interested to know if there were any escaped convicts or major crimes people fled from in the area around the time of the murder. If that was the case though I would expect more crimes to have occurred on the trail around that time, I would hope the cops would look into any reports of people having their packs stolen around that time or burglaries close to the trail and such. I hope you get your answers.
So, you were possibly the last person to see him alive.. you hiked on despite a ‘friend’ who might have run into trouble themselves, you hiked on, period *and* you somehow discussed the monetary value of his gear… plus, you check in now and then to see if there’s any updates on the investigation… interesting.
@@virginiaviola5097 Calm down Nancy Drew...
@@virginiaviola5097 I wasn't nearly the last person to see him alive. If I remember correctly, he was murdered several days later. I wasn't even in the state by then. I also already talked to the FBI when it all happened.
Hikers always talk about gear, just like techies and the latest iPhone, or gun lovers going on about their latest rifle.
I swear, some people watch one too many true crime videos and suddenly think they're detectives.
@@IamFrancoisDillinger You must be thanking your lucky stars that your hike wasn't days later...
Be aware of anyone hiking the trail without a pack and gear... Me and several friends were hiking the trail near Fontana lake in 1986. We came upon a guy walking along without any pack or gear. One of the group inquired where was his gear? He said he lived off the land as he pulled down a nearby tree limb and began to eat the new sprouts from a pine tree. We were standing there watching him when a park ranger accompanied by a policeman showed up and took him away. True story 🤔
Can't be eating tree sprouts
You think he was an escaped criminal or mental house. Maybe skin walker or just a nutty guy eating tree sprouts
@@ethanwright5081 He had wandered away from a mental institution. I don't know how long he had been missing.
@@nickyblue4866 Yes, you can eat some pine tree sprouts, but only certain types of pine tree sprouts can be eaten.
There are day hikers on many sections of the AT that may not have much gear.
As a true crime AND hiking enthusiast, I loved you doing this video. RIP Scott.
Thanks for watching!
Yes, RIP Scott Lily. As long as one person speaks your name, you will never be forgotten ♥️
Ditto!
I enjoyed learning about it too.
What happened to your channel?
I've been interested in this case for years. My first solo overnight hike was at Cowcamp Shelter. I found out about the murder later. I'm an author and wanted to do a book about it, however there is a startling lack of information about the case. Amherst local and county police didn't want to talk to me. I filed a FOIA request with the FBI and was denied because the case is still active. I hope your video brings more attention to the murder.
Just out of curiosity - do you think writing a book would be something anyone can do? I’ve considered & wanted to several times but just never looked that far into it..
@@cailin5309 I think anyone is caple of writing a book if they are willing to put the time in and is passionate about it. I wrote stories as a kid but I didn't publish my first book until I was 53.
Wow
@@cailin5309 Of course! Where there is a will, there is a way. You just have to put the hard work in. :)
You ever think they aren't giving out all the information because they have a suspect and releasing all their info night alert the suspect.....just because you're a "author" doesn't mean you are entitled to the information they have
Random hiking tales is a good idea. Rescue stories etc, doesn't have to be crime related. Nice one mate.
Thanks for watching and commenting Tom!
I agree
I'll add my voice to Tom's comment. Adds a nice change up that is informative and falls into the scope of the channel nicely. It's a part of the hiking/backpacking world.
Yeah Kyle, branch out a little bit. Experiment with any ideas you have. Make it mostly stuff and people around the Trails you've hiked. Have some fun with it. I do think you found yourself a niche that works.
That trail. 🤔🤔🤔🤔
I hiked SOBO in 2011, and a lot of us were pretty spooked because at the time the ATC couldn't release any information at all due to a gag order from the FBI. Without reliable info, rumors abounded. My partner and I stealth camped for several weeks in the area where the rumors described. But we were mistaken. Accidentally camped at the shelter where they found his body and notice the logbook was unusually empty. The next day we were stalked by a naked man for over 8 miles, who then showed up 3 days later, naked again. The FBI called me to get his description, the kinds of vehicles we'd seen, some of the stuff he said (like, "You're the first person to catch me like this. Well, there was one other guy..." which sounded like a half-confession). Needless to say, we were happy to finally leave Virginia.
What? That's crazy af if true.
damn that's nuts!
😱
Creepy af
Yikes! That’s both scary & gross . Did they they get this guy?
I know I'm late to the show, but in my opinion, it wasn't a fellow backpacker that murdered Lilly and took his belongings. It was criminal who committed a different heinous crime, went to the trail, took the life and used the equipment stolen as a disguise to go unnoticed by anyone while making the escape.
i am glad you have all the answers. now, you just have to prove it.
Apparently, you are ignorant of the meaning of 'in my opinion', cletus.@@ursodermatt8809
@@ursodermatt8809it was him
This is the reason why I always make sure to greet other hikers I meet on any trails, and preferrably try to exchange some more words with them or at least making sure to check their clothing and/or gear as I walk by. We need to look out for eachother out there. Murders are rare, but other things happen aswell - people might not have sufficient gear for the trip they're out on, or something else. To say hi and ask how their day is going, hopefully means they feel they can ask or tell me if something is wrong.
Very smart practice to have! You never know if someone’s uncomfortable or not & just needs someone to walk with for a minute or share something with. Maybe a friendly face. I definitely was more comfortable when people acknowledged me than when they didnt
@@cailin5309 Yeah, that's why I do it. Hopefully it might help someone some time.
Yes, so important to check in with folks along the way. We did run into a creepy guy on CT. He would repeatedly pop out of nowhere wanting to know where we were going to camp. My huge dog made it clear to him to stay away! We were able to pull aside solo hikers to camp with us whenever the creeper was around. My dog stayed on alert alll night!
I usually smile, say hello, good morning, afternoon, etc, and make a mental note, man, woman, child, old, young, jacket, shorts , dog, etc, where I saw them, sometimes you'll see them again if it's a loop,
@@raymondlin8728 Good practice, I will start incorporating that into my hiking !👍
I never heard about this case. How terribly sad for his family. You are doing a great service by posting these videos. My Grandfather used to say, It's not the bears you have to worry about.
I'm not a hiker, but stumbled into this vid. I think it's powerful to put the word out. It's a gift you gave to the family.
So even tho I don't fit this group vibe exactly - I subscribed. You told a good story & seem cool.
Cheers
Me too. Not a hiker, but facilitated with hikers stories and such. Subscribed and glad I did.
This is a damn shame! My Mrs. and I thru hiked Colorado Trail a few years ago. We did experienced a creepy man along the way. We had our huge Anatolian Shepherd dog with us and she did not like this man. Please keep giving air time to these crimes! Be safe people! Bring a dog… a big ass dog! Thanks for doing this video!
Some one else wrote about a creepy guy in the CT in the comments, could it be the same dude?!?
No, you bring a firearm. You should NEVER go into the mountains without the option of protecting yourself. Clueless morons
Bring a dog and definitely a gun always!!!
I totally agree with you, I’m kind of afraid to go hiking since I lost my malinois n pit bull, just have terrier crosses now, guess I’ll have to go out strapped
In 1995 my brother was sitting in his car eating his lunch right next to the Appalachian Trail in Shenandoah National Park. He was murdered. And because his car was set on fire to get rid of all the evidence the Park Service slapped a suicide on his case. I personally spoke with the coroner, the FBI Park Rangers and those who would talk to me said there's no way it was a suicide. One Ranger even pulled me aside and said the public has absolutely no idea what goes on in these national parks. He warned me to never ever stay overnight in one. He said it would be safer for you to sleep at a truck stop then in a national park. Not only did it take almost an hour for them to find the keys to the fire truck that was their story but they didn't try to preserve any evidence. It was not even in the newspapers in Virginia. There was an incident where a couple were attacked about 10 years later and the only reason it hit headlines was because the gentleman who was killed who had been in a wheelchair was thrown off the cliff and his body landed on a state highway. So the state of Virginia released information on that. I was told that if the people knew what went on in the national parks they would never go and the government would lose so much revenue. It's all about money they keep everything hush hush. And it's a tragedy because people would assume that they're safe you know it's a national park, my brother left for small daughters behind and our family will never ever be the same. I tell everyone I meet his story because I want them to know that it's not safe and that the government keeps everything quiet. There are so many murders kidnappings missing people and we hear nothing about it. In my brother's case campers heard gunshots, the forest service never followed up on that. Because you know all the evidence was burned up because it took them a f****** hour to find the keys to the fire truck. How convenient. There are so many people with mental illness and bad intention who live full-time on the Appalachian Trail it really really is not safe please don't hike it alone especially. And please pass the word. Thank you for listening Jackie
Canam missing (411) project addresses some of this aspects of national parks.
Thank you for sharing your loss with us. I was a Boy Scout for years, made Eagle Scout, lived in Virginia the entire time, so needless to say I did a LOT of hiking the AT and surrounding areas. We never ran into anyone weird. But we were always a group at least 20 strong young men, I can’t imagine any one human jumping us all. I’m 49 now and haven’t camped or hiked in many years. In really good shape, I just don’t want to go alone, and damn these horror stories remind me to trust my instincts.
So, so very sorry for your loss
What was the nearest town? Might have been a active still or active grow operation.
Thousands of people go each year. I thinkbits probably as safe as doing any other activity. Yes lazy police do shit like this all the time but it's not really unique from any other place.
@@hayorge27 hey brother 28 year old Eagle Scout in Milwaukee that has lost ways with the woods. Have also been trying to figure out how to find outdoorsy friends to go with as I don’t want to go alone. Hope you can find some people
Big props to you for caring enough to bring attention to this. I'm sure his family is thankful.
Thank you for talking about this and telling his story. I worked with his mom for a while. I remember when he went missing and how devastating it was to her and the rest of the family. She is such a sweet woman and my heart ached for her when it happened.
I'm so glad you did a video on this. I learned about Scott Lilly when thru hiking and passing by Cow Camp Gap shelter last year and decided to camp elsewhere. It's wild that no one is talking about his murder and that it still isn't solved! Your videos are top notch by the way.
Thank you so much! It honestly is wild that more people don't know about him. Hopefully this video helps
There was a app trail killer, he was released from prison, he went straight back to dismal falls section in Virginia, I had just camped there for two weeks alone and unarmed, the night after I left he showed up and randomly shot two dudes, no reason, committed suicide while being followed by state police. Should be news stories out there still.
Wow! Do you have more info? What as his name and the victims names?
@@LaurenOliviArt Randall Lee Smith, maybe he was mentioned in the video. I missed him by hours.
Ah the news don't have time with all the gaslighting , disinformation & propaganda they have to spread about our past President and conservatives.
I'm very familiar with this story, I'm going to do a video about it in the near future. Glad you we're okay
@@KyleHatesHiking it was really strange that the first video I watched of yours mentioned his name then the second I saw was about the bear scare in (Davis farm) Burke’s garden. The only two areas of the trail I’m intimately familiar with. Bear bells aren’t a terrible idea for this stretch. Also the folks in Burke’s garden are far from rednecks and will assist a hiker in a heartbeat and there is a reasonable place to resupply at “Mattie’s place” it’s a couple miles off the trail and on the other side of the garden but they’ve got some good stuff if you’re not in a hurry. Really enjoy your content keep it up.
I'm so glad you covered Scotts case. It broke my heart when he hadn't received attention 💔
This is why I hike with pepper spray and a visibly large knife. I’m 5’2” and usually hike alone. I’ve yet to encounter unpleasant or sketchy individuals, but experience has taught me to be vigilant nonetheless. Never take your safety for granted
I swear this freaked me out too
Excellent advice. I carry a fixed blade knife on my person at all times in public, and people ALWAYS notice it. I get remarks on it all the time.
It's called 'situational awareness.'
You may want to upgrade to a pistol that knife isn't worth much
Ever hear of a gun??? You clowns need to get a grip on reality
The Apalachian trail is scary just because of weird goings on at night. Superstitions can be based on reality.
It's so peaceful in the northeast part tho.
Honestly, cases like this are very hard to talk about because of such little information there is involving his case. I'm from Charlottesville, which is right outside of Shenandoah and not far from Amherst County, which has a lot of sketchy meth heads. Someone was probably on the run from police and saw an easy target to steal gear from and be able to hideout for a few days. Random murders like this almost always turn cold. Hard to believe they didn't get any DNA evidence from the killer in the shallow grave though...
That's what I think of also - someone was on the run and this poor man was in the wrong place at the wrong time. 💔
Branching out from mom jokes is cool too, like when you had a few serious trail tale episodes, you convey empathy, compassion and respect well on camera, don't be afraid to do more of these style videos. RIP Scott!
Thank you Drew!
You have talent beyond your usual, enjoyable videos. It was well done, professional and respectful. RIP, Scott.
Thank you so much! Seriously
A girlfriend and I were hanging out in a park near the trail when a young couple came stumbling out of the woods. Both were sick with some type of stomach illness and the woman was especially looking weak and dehydrated. We gave them a ride to the hospital and it was just luck they came out of the trail when they did because both were suffering from dizziness and severe nausea
I’ve never heard about this murder. And I have followed hikers and researched the AT for years. Even hiked a small portion of GA Last April. Thanks for bringing some light to Scott’s story.
Thanks for watching! It really is crazy how so many people have never heard Lilly's story
Great video! I have been studying AT crimes recently myself and decided to do a video on the Larue/Hood murders (1990)since it occurred 10 minutes from my hometown. I located where the original shelter was located. I was actually camping about 20 miles north of where the murders occurred at the same time. I remember reviewing in my mind every hiker I saw on the trail those couple days but Crews actually continued south away from my location and was caught in Harper's Ferry. Crazy story. Also in Pennsylvania, a couple years before that (1988) Rebecca Wright was murdered south of this incident location.
This and the Pacific crest trail I keep hearing stories about feral ppl living out in the wild. Lots of reports of hearing ppl in there camps at night, or ppl waking up with things missing. Most don't report small stuff like this
Feral people living in the woods is just absolutely ridiculous for a lot of reasons.
If there were, by some weird set of circumstances, “feral people” living in the woods they would do what all animals do and run away.
@@AclockworkPurple you are one dumb sob first off always pack a weapon secondly buddy system travel in a group. The fact you think “feral” people will always run away is absurd they may be starving and need something to eat they can be cannabalistic or just kill for resources you can’t prove that there aren’t “feral” people out there or groups of people who kill hikers and take there items there are not only 13 cases there are hundreds of missing folks and murders from camping and hiking you have to remember how many people have not been reported as missing or that people aren’t aware are gone
Those are just stories. Nothing more.
@@twhis9843 Feral doesn’t mean homeless or transient
Honestly, most people won’t be too disappointed if you stray away from constant gear reviews, etc. it’s why Darwin on The Trail quit doing them, they became extremely redundant.
Would love to see more of these types of videos! Plus it’ll be new and refreshing for you also!
Agreed!
Hey thank you so much! I love doing the gear videos, but I also love experimenting with different kinds of videos as well. I've gotten an amazing response from this one, honestly way better than I expected so I will definitely do more like this.
@@KaraKirtley Haha. Crazy seeing you here. It’s Matt Campbell. 😂😂
@@KyleHatesHiking Prior to this video I had not hit the subscribe button. But I hit it today ...I appreciate the way you respectfully handled the information on Scott.
Sad story... I hope the case will be solved someday so that the family can get some closure.
me too!
I think the hiking community has a difficult time talking about stuff like this because we already spend so much time convincing non-hikers that long-distance hiking is a relatively safe practice. Unfortunately isolated incidents like these tend to set people's expectations of what to expect from communities with which they aren't familiar.
Recently in my hometown there was an attack on a couple of FNST thru-hikers which was brutal enough that it got a good amount of media attention and tons of friends who know I hike that section of trail regularly were asking me all sorts of questions. Fortunately the couple survived and their attacker was brought to justice, but our community of hikers has had to fend off a lot of misconceptions about the relative safety of hiking/camping in this area now.
On the Florida Trail? I didn't hear about this... damn.
Male solo backpacker here. I've only been spooked one time on trail and one time at a campground. I was a few miles from the nearest road, and atleast a mile from the last orv access. Came across a newer model pickup truck in the middle of nowhere. Two guys that both had long guns. I nearly got out of their sight and down the trail before I started them. As I continued on I could hear them laughing and hooting and hollering. A few minutes further down the trail I heard them shooting a shotgun. Not deer season, don't know what else they would be hunting. Scared the shit out of me. Camped with a guy I initially thought was a hiker, no car, small tent, long beard. Nope, turns out homeless and mentally unwell vet . Nice enough guy, but I didn't sleep more than an hour that night. He was in and out of his tent hammered drunk all night. Was a long walk back to the trailhead.
@@dustyc324 we encountered a migrant/hobo guy who would bicycle from Florida north each season. He was apple picking when we met him, but he was kind of creepy. I stuck my head out of the tent around 2am and shined the flashlight & he was staring right at me from the flap of his tent. I didn't sleep a wink that night.
@@sharonthompson672 spooky. the guy I camped with left for a bit and came back and forgot he had talked to me and said we could share a spot. he also had a big giant machete.
@@dustyc324 😳 Very scary.
One of my favorite channels, Bryan's Mysteries & Adventures on Trail, did an episode on Scott Lilly and one other case. I'm pretty sure Rusty West has also covered it, as well as Missing Person Mysteries (in one of his marathons where he discussed both missing persons and murders on the trails.)
Bryan’s mysteries and adventures on trail is one of my favs to! Love him!
Thank God you're talking about it!! Thank you for bringing it to everyone's ATTENTION. I live near the trail and it's mostly safe, yes, but there's been some severe violence here and there....mostly near where I live. 👀 The 2 women in Shenandoah are the ones who break my heart 💔 because it's not solved. It's sad and I'm INFURIATED by it.
That hurts so much because I've been to Shenandoah and I would have never imagined. Who goes into the woods/trails to kill others? Just so freakin messed up. RIP to those poor women and Scott Lily.
Thank you for keeping his story alive and bringing attention to it. Its been over 11 years and it still remains unsolved without justice for Scott. And sadly, outside of the hiking community no one really knows about this.
There are ferrel people on that trail. Theres a lot of stories about the wild people that follow hikers. They probably wanted his stuff because they didnt have any, or took it to their hoarder stash in the middle of the wilderness.
😳FERAL PEOPLE?!? 1st hearing about this, my mother does NOT want me to hike the AP and sent me this video as proof.
@@ogadlogadl490 I have heard that too. I'm with your mom..Please go with a group. Go armed.
@@ogadlogadl490 I'm with your mom! Please do not go alone! Go with a group. Go armed.
There are some strange 🤔 people out there. Never hike alone. Be ready to defend yourself. Most folks out there are good people...but there are some creepers put there. Warn other hikers when you come across them. We had a cra-cra woman sick her dog on our Husky and me, and I had to kick her bigger dog in the face, and my guy told her if she didn't call it off he was going to take it down. She was standing there thinking it was a fun sporting event. We met 5 others on the trail afterwards who warned us she was in the area and sicking her dog on hikers.... we warned off several other unsuspecting hikers. Apparently, she was a local who took some kind of sick pleasure out of it...I would call her ferrel...
@@kimmccaleb4170 Kyle has a video about a crazy woman who was talking about how her dog would probably attack them if she let it out of her car! I wonder if its the same area (S & N Carolina). You should watch that one.
How sad. He should not be overlooked or forgotten. This is the first I've heard about Scott although I'm very familiar with all of the other victims' stories. I'm glad you are putting his name out there & I hope this will be solved someday.
I hope so too, thanks for watching Sandra
One more person now aware that he existed. Good.
It seems a lot of people hide on the Appalachian Trail. 2 years ago there was a guy bothering people and the authorities did nothing about it. Such a sad story.
So many deaths in national parks. Thank you for sharing his story
In Alaska in 2007 alone 2.800 people went missing.
By doing these videos, you honor the deceased and educate the hiking community. Valuable and interesting. R.I.P. Scott Lilly.
I really hope this case is solved. Thank you for doing the video about it.
I definitely dig having you mix it up and add stuff like this to the channel. Very well done my dude! 🤙🏼
I stopped to camp at that shelter once, set up camp, and had a weird bad vibe…I packed up and moved to Hog Camp Gap. I never knew about this incident…creepy… Outstanding video.
that's super weird... I guess you made the right choice moving. Thank you for watching!
I get that same vibe around that area. Hiked off the Priest last month in the dark because I hung out at the summit for a while. Scary hiking off that mountain in the dark.
Always listen to your gut
I’m always curious about people’s choices to pack up and hike on at night.. wouldn’t you be just as vulnerable, maybe more so, by doing that? If the ‘bad vibe’ was human..
I SOBO’d in 2011. I remember hearing about it from other hikers. And I heard that law enforcement confiscated all of the shelter logbooks from shelters directly north and south of where he was found.
Outstanding video. I like your humorous videos, but I really like this serious one. Please keep doing more of these.
Will do Jamie! Thank you for watching
Thank you for bringing this case back to 'the public eye', so to speak. No one should be forgotten on the very active Appalachian Trail.
The cause of death is unusual - it requires close proximity to the victim, which is usually the case when the victim knows their killer - or possibly, he was killed while sleeping. To get close enough to asphyxiate someone, while they’re awake, would require a pretty high level of trust.
It’s very sad, that anyone just wanting to be amongst nature, exploring and just minding their own business would be preyed upon.
I hope this case is solved, for Scott and for those that loved him.
yea probably killed while sleeping but the guy looked like a tiny man so could have been anything. Stuff like this use to keep me up at night so I ditched my coffin shaped tent and got a big one. I would lay awake at night and just think about how my head could only be in one place in this tent and how easy it would be for someone to jump on me or smash me with a rock. I sleep much better now that anyone up to no good would have to guess how I was laying in my tent. Best is just to stick to the states where you can carry a pistol.
@@manners7483
Yep, I read that Scott was 5' 7" (same height as my beloved hubby, so *no* disrespect intended at all). I believe he was smothered in his sleep, or by someone he perhaps had befriended on the trail. He'd met a number of people on the trail who later spoke so kindly of him, following his sad demise.
After graduating from VCU, my daughter's house-mate, an absolutely *model-gorgeous* young lady, decided to hike the entire trail by herself. She's a strong gal, although you wouldn't know it as she's delicate in appearance. We were *Terrified* for her & *did* try to gently talk her out of it. My daughter even thought of joining her, but landed her dream-job & couldn't go. But her friend was still absolutely firm in her plan was to go it alone, make friends along the way & camp with them ("safety in numbers" & all that, even though she wouldn't *know any* if these people *well,* having *just* met then during her trek).
It took her nearly 4 mos to hike the *entire* trail, but SHE DID IT!! AND *SURVIVED!!* 😅
She also took a gun *&* her large dog with her. I'd say those 2 items are essentials for every solo hiker, regardless of gender or appearance. (Even *big, tough guys can* be overwhelmed when asleep).
She said it was the adventure of a *lifetime,* and she's still in touch w/ a couple of the people she met on the trail. She plans to do it again, w/ her someday-family, once her future kids are teens. Seriously impressive young woman. Has her life all planned out already. My daughter's at the beach w/ her (& her parents & siblings) now, for just a few days. 😊
It's terribly sad that *so many* of these crimes happened in VA. Heartbreakingly tragic for those lost, & their loved ones. It also makes the state sound *awful* to anyone who's never been there. But we lived in VA for almost 3 decades (corporate gypsies here; lived in 5 states total, so far).
VA is up there w/ CA & CO, imho, as some of the *MOST beautiful & varied* parts of our nation. Just *take protection* w/ you & *know how* to *use* it. We cannot allow savages to *ruin everything* in Life.
Bless everyone reading & talking about Scott, may his sweet soul RIP. Hugs of *condolence & sympathy* also go out to his family, friends & those who briefly & hauntingly enjoyed his company on the trail. 💙
It is good to shine a spotlight on the loss of a fellow hiker, especially when the crime goes unsolved. You would like to think our trails are safe from these kinds of crimes but they are no and one is too many. Thanks for doing this.
Thanks for watching Mike
I think adding hiking murders and disappearances would be a great addition to your channel
I’m totally down for more of this content on your channel ❤
As a thru hiker looking at these cases is a different perspective is a great idea!
Please more 🎉
I had a super weird experience with another individual while camping along the AT on Peter’s Mtn here in PA. Weird enough that I notified the authorities.
The video may not help solve the murder, but maybe it will get more hikers to really think about their personal safety while on trail. I hike GWNF and shenandoah and always carry legally when I'm out there. I started doing so after reading about these stories. You are your own first responder, and help isn't anywhere close by. Maybe a video about safety while on trail is a good idea. Lots of new hikers out there who probably haven't thought about this
Matt D - my ex would make fun of people hiking with arms, but I think its smart. Its INSANLY annoying for a man to tell a woman "no" to anything she deems necissary to protect herself. (Or another man for that matter) Needless to say, we arent together anymore, LOL.
If I ever go again. I'm definitely carrying. Society is completely nuts now days.
@@evonne315 even when I'm on trail I still carry concealed... no need to panic those around you who likely wouldn't agree with my choice. I hike shenandoah and GWNF regularly. The area has a massive drug problem, and I am not naive to the fact that people regularly get high and hide out in the national forests.
The problem I see with these types of murders are: Hikers are generally friendly and unsuspecting, especially of other hikers. - We sleep under the stars alot, and carrying anything doesn't help you if you are asleep, which is how I think may of these happened. - We have a tendency to not always look at where we came from and look forward to where we're going, Completely different than if I walk down a city street. - Predators (human) can pick the perfect time and place to get you unaware. I never cowboy camp anymore, not that 1/16 of an inch fabric is going to stop anything, but it might give me the 2 seconds I need to defend myself.
@@evonne315 Women should always be protected, carrying and thinking of their safety. Your ex sounded privileged because if you are hiking anywhere alone or otherwise, you should be concerned and aware anything can happen. Good for you.
I'm actually enjoying your trail crime stories, you're good at this, keep it up, that's why I subscribed and I hope someone can help the FBI figure out what happened to Scott Lilly. Prayers for the family!!
Please go down this rabbit hole deeper. I’ve been hearing random stories about groups of “homeless” people living in the woods, and how hikers are finding their gear missing in the morning. One story told of a solo hiker stalked and terrorized for several nights by a group of people. And VA does come up more often than not. Is this becoming a real issue or trail lore?
I've never heard of this but it could have happened
I heard there were homeless people living close to the Approach Trail stealing hiker's food last year... I believe I heard this multiple times at Trail Kickoff including by someone who works at Amicalola. Crazy stuff out there, luckily the trail is still insanely safe compared to elsewhere but still.
Lore. This flat out isn't true.
Thank you for sharing this story. 🙏 RIP Scott
Poor guy, may he rest in peace.
RIP
I live in a trail town in Virginia along the AT & I know people that live down in buena vista also that never knew of this case. Thanks for bringing Scott to our attention! And I honestly think Virginia has a problem with criminals thinking they can hide out from the law by living on the AT. Some of them might think they can get away with robbing thru hikers for gear .. and sadly some end in tragedy? Who knows..
Seems like that's what's happening.
Yes! I biked the C & O canal years ago & at a camp site south of Cumberland, MD there were two guys fishing on the Virginia side of the Potomac, which you can wade across at that point. One kept yelling across at us "f*ck her, I did!" Trying to get a rise out of my boyfriend. He wouldn't speak or defend me or anything, he just said "they'll be waiting for us in the next town if we piss them off." 😡 Creepy, skinny, long-haired redneck locals.
Also: what about the woman's burned body found by the two hikers from Pennsylvania??? I never got closure on THAT story.
(Off Wolfsville Rd in Maryland, near Thurmont)
Same never heard of this and I'm all about true crime and hiking
I used to live by Virginia Beach when I was young.
@@kimberlyshepherd270 Chesapeake here ✋
Nice different type of video. Very eery and I never heard about Scott Lilly - strange considering it's not that long ago. I do recall the murder Geoffery Hood and Molly LaRue in the early 90's in a shelter just before Duncannon, PA. I grew up in the area and remember the stigma that put on the AT in general. Sad the Scott Lilly case was never solved.
I hope it gets solved soon
Safety is part of any trail. Knowing stories like this is part of safety. The more you know the better prepared you can try to be.
Sad this happened.
I have always wanted to hike this trail. But I'm not sure I want to now.
Prayers out to his family and friends. 💔🙏
I’m sure his family very much appreciate you getting this story out there. Their suffering must be tremendous and the more people are aware, the more likely progress might be made 😢
Always a pleasure to know what's going on around the world. Bless his soul and may justice be served....
Cool series man, you could definitely get creative with an Unsolved Mysteries vibe. We take it for granted that people are good and will help us with hitches, etc but we really put our lives in their hands and hope for the best when we do that. Not saying that we shouldn't trust people if we get good vibes from them, but it isn't a bad thing to also remember that sometimes predators are lurking
yep, be safe out there
Head on a swivel and practice discernment at all times.
I just found this channel yesterday and this is some really great content. Ive really enjoying binge watching these. Im definitely recommend this channel to all of my friends and family. Thanks for hard work on making this content for the community.
Thanks for the video Kyle. A sad but important topic. A nice tribute to Scott, RIP. On a side note, I really enjoyed your serious side. I’ve watched the channel for a few years now and you and a few others were very helpful in getting me into backpacking. I enjoy your humor, sarcasm, digs at DB and your over all lightheartedness. This video was one of your best. Your delivery was so professional, articulate and heartfelt. This video highlighted another side of your talent. I’d really like to see this side of you on the channel every once in a while. Thanks again for the vid.
Ralph this is such a nice comment! Thank you for watching, comments like this keep me going 👍
Kyle, I think it would also be interesting to do a video(s) of this style, but with the subject being rescues that have occurred, and how search and rescue was able to support hikers. Having read "Where You'll Find Me" and "The Last Traverse," I was blown away by the sheer effort it takes search and rescue teams to even mobilize. I think it would be good to use your platform for rescue stories because it helps provide a learning experience of how the rescued individual's decisions impacted their predicament, and how S&R teams respond when there is a call for help.
Thoughts?
Love the message and experimentation Kyle! I feel that is how ur vids are unique in backpacking UA-cam
Thank you so much! Gotta keep it fresh, and I think this is an important story for people to know.
@@KyleHatesHiking I agree with you 100%! Keep up the good work my man!
@Kyle Hates Hiking I agree, and there are at least 12 more stories to tell, whether the killer was found or not. You know, some of these poor souls were killed by mentally unstable people. That's tragic, too, because the victims' families usually don't receive justice from the courts in such cases.
I watch a LOT of true crime stuff on UA-cam, so I'm not surprised this came up on my feed. I think you did a good job covering this and would enjoy seeing more like this.
Solid video Kyle. I'm enjoying the different, hiker related, content. ❤️ RIP Scott Lilly.
Thank you Annie! RIP Scott
Please keep making videos like this!! I found your channel because hiking disappearances and mysteries are so interesting!
Very thoughtful of you to not mention their trail names.
I thru hiked in 2019,I was 20 miles away from Sanchez on the AT when he was murdered . I will never forget that day I woke up and some sobo hikers told me about it. Such a terrible feeling followed me on trail for awhile after they opened the trail back up.
I know it's added weight but everyone should always be packing an easy to draw weapon whenever hiking - can't trust anyone anymore
Hello, I appreciate you for using your platform to raise awareness regarding the strange, unsolved, murders and disappearances....this is how I discovered you in the first place. I'm not a hiker or a camper. In fact, I'm not a typical outdoorsy type at all.
Great video Kyle. I hope you do more about missing hikers or hikers who have died while on trail.
The response has been great so I think I will!
Funny I don’t hike but really enjoy the missing hiker stories so subscribed - please continue!
thank you!
YOU ARE A GOOD MAN FOR BRINGING ATTENTION TO THIS CASE. THERE ARE SO MANY IN THE MISSING 411. THE AUTHORITIES WONT EVEN OPEN THE BOOKS ON ALL OF THE INNOCENT HUMAN BEINGS GOING MISSING! THE DOOR NEEDS TO BE OPENED AND TRUTH TOLD.
What is up with the capital letters?
@@BatCaveOz IT'S HIS CHOICE. SOMETIMES OLDER PEOPLE DO IT CUZ IT'S EASIER TO SEE.
Super wholesome that you’re saying you want to get to 50k subs in this video, and in your recent video you’re goal is now 200k!! 😊
This was a great video and I would like to see more similar content. It was also good to see you being serious, even tho you do have the best 'your mom' jokes on UA-cam.
Thanks so much! seems like the response is great and I will definitely do more
After that machete attack a couple years ago in Virginia, I started carrying a tourniquet, gauze roll, cohesive wrap, 5x9 sterile pads, and Ruger 380 Pocketlite.
Dig the content, I had only just really discovered the thru hiking community in 2010 but I do vaguely remember hearing chatter about this then. Though nothing like what Ron Sanchez's received for sure. May be that this video helps finally bring some answers to the case.
As a member of the true crime community I can assure you that _every_ video or article raising awareness about an unsolved case is helpful. Not only can it reinvigorate discussions within your community about things like safety, but it can trigger people's recollection of strange encounters & observations that they might have dismissed at the time. The FBI interviewed hikers from 2011 _and_ '12 to see if any of Scott's items were located, but also to ask about anything unusual the following year (like abandoned campsites or equipment, or strange encounters which might be the perpetrator returning to the trail). The more people aware of Scott's murder, the greater chance of solving it. RIP Scott 🤍
Well damn, I only subscribed because I thought it was a true crime channel about hikers. After the third story, I was hooked. You should do more.
I'm not a hiker but I like your style and spirit... I just subscribed.
I love hearing about missing people unsolved mysteries etc…. So please do more videos like what you are doing. Thanks.
I feel like this was all over the news at the time in 2011. I’m up in Canada and his name and story seems very familiar to me.
I think it’s just the unfortunate result of a case going cold.
It would be weird if that were true. I worked for the local newspaper (in IT) at the time, and I personally know the guy who wrote the article that was shown in this video about the reward (I laughed when I saw his name). I mention that just to say, the whole thing was mostly a dead story. Nobody really paid attention at all. The newspaper did its job reporting on it, and that was the end of it.
Please make more of these!
glad you enjoyed it colby!
thanks for bringing this story up after all these years
Kyle. I believe 2 years ago when Ultra girl did her hike she got talking about some really strange character that was down that direction and a bunch of other people made the same comment and they all just made sure they got through the area and some didn't even stay the night they just hiked look at her video
I like the way you did this true crime coverage. You did a great job. Id like to see more. Especially more of suspicious cases such as this. So many of them deserve to be heard. Thank you.
Just need to get a flannel shirt and flail your arms a thousand times while you're talking to us, and you could be Mr.BAllen lol
haha I had never heard of Mr Ballen but a few people have commented about him, and flossy even sent me a message saying the same thing. I'll have to watch one of his videos
@@KyleHatesHiking it's pretty good entertainment. I'm pretty sure I've seen a billboard advertising his podcast around Austin lol. 🤷♂️ If it works it works.
Great video. I'd love to hear about more "things to be aware of" or mishaps that have happened to hikers. Other than seeing a lot of thru hikers cold, wet, tired, or hungry, I don't see a lot about what can, or has, gone wrong and what steps might have prevented that, or what to do if it happens to you (me really. Haha).
Thanks!
Great vid, Kyle. I think the trail community could use some content like this, especially since Mr. Ballen has gone to Amazon. Keep up the good work and may your beard touch your toes!
The whole reason I first clicked on one of your videos yesterday was because I saw it was about a disappearance, and here I am, a few videos later. Your channel could really blow up doing videos like this. And you're doing something good getting more information out there about these people.
You should do more like this
Thank you for watching!
Suprisingly the algorithm is helping I’ve never watched or seen your channel and I don’t watch to many outdoorsy channels outside of farming and I was recommended this video I watch true crime which is why I’m assuming I was recommended it. So it might make a difference if enough true crime viewers see the video they will recommend it to true crime UA-camrs who bring a lot of publicity to cases and theories
I pray that the right person will see this. It very well could make a difference. 🐻
Me too!
Really like your show . The poor murdered persons on the trails never get mentioned so good job.
Great video and so important to pay tribute to Scott ! Ill think about him when i hike the trail so that (maybe who knows whats after death) he will walk by our side !
have fun out there!
I wonder if they took his shoes to keep him from escaping, meaning they didn't kill him immediately.
I have heard of this case. I might be wrong here but I seem to remember there was a suspicious person or people in the area he was hanging around with. I like the unpopular content of thru hiking so I'm down for this content. Everyone makes gear and food videos. I cant watch the vlogs anymore cause there all the same: food and views, boring. You at least have always tried a different approach.
Thanks for watching Mr. Boom