The Appalachian Trail is often called a spiritual journey—a place of healing, growth, and connection with something greater than ourselves. Spanning over 2,190 miles through the Eastern United States, it winds through 14 states, hundreds of towns, and countless lives. With each step on this legendary footpath, hikers immerse themselves in the beauty of nature, forging deep connections—both with the wilderness and with their own inner selves. For many, it’s a pilgrimage, a rite of passage that encourages self-discovery in a world that often feels overwhelming. For others, it’s a place to disappear, find clarity, or be reborn through the sheer expanse of its untouched landscapes.
But beneath the canopy of whispering trees and breathtaking scenic overlooks lies a darker truth, one that contrasts sharply with the serene visage of the trail. The Appalachian Trail has also borne witness to moments of unimaginable tragedy. While acts of violence on the AT are exceedingly rare, when they do happen, the impact ripples through the hiking community, shattering entire communities and leaving behind more questions than answers. The stark reminder that nature’s beauty can sometimes be accompanied by danger haunts those who traverse its paths.
Today, we bring you three Appalachian Trail-related murders that remain unsolved, cases that linger in the memories of those who revere the trail and continue to hike its paths. These haunting stories remind us of the fragility of life and the unexpected darkness that can intrude upon even the most sacred spaces. Their victims still wait for justice, their stories deserving of remembrance, as they continue to echo through the whispers of the woods and along the trails traversed by countless adventurers.
Additionally, we’ll take a chilling look at the mad men who have used the trail to commit unspeakable crimes, staining its sacred soil with blood. The juxtaposition of nature’s serenity against the shadow of human malice serves not only as a stark warning but also as a solemn reminder of the history ingrained within the trail itself. It is crucial for every hiker to remain vigilant and respectful of the trails’ past, understanding that while they walk among breathtaking beauty, they tread over stories of pain and loss.
So, pack a thermos, light a candle, and settle in. Some ghosts still walk the trail, whispering their stories through the rustling leaves and echoing through the valleys. As we reflect on these dark chapters and the unsolved mysteries surrounding them, may we find solace in the fact that, amidst the trails and the mountains, the spirit of those we have lost remains forever intertwined with the very land we cherish.
📌 Case Briefing:
A quick overview of the cases you’ll explore in this post:
| Case | Victim(s) | Year | Location | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1️⃣ | Scott Lilly | 2011 | Cow Camp Gap Shelter, VA | Unsolved |
| 2️⃣ | Louise Chaput | 2001 | Lost Pond Trail, NH | Unsolved |
| 3️⃣ | Julianne Williams & Lollie Winans | 1996 | Shenandoah National Park, VA | Unsolved |
| ➕ | Mountford & Ramsay / Wight & Brenner / Sanchez | 1981 / 1990 / 2019 | Various | Solved – Known Killers |
🕯 Case One: The Cow Camp Gap Murder of Scott Lilly
🔻 2011 – SCOTT LILLY
📍 Cow Camp Gap Shelter, Virginia
🕯 Murderer: Unknown | Motive: Unknown
🧭 A Trail Name, A Dream, and a Tragic End
Scott Allen Lilly, a 30-year-old from South Bend, Indiana, had chosen the trail name “Stonewall”, likely a nod to his love of Civil War history. He set out on June 15, 2011, from the Maryland/Pennsylvania border, planning a southbound hike to Georgia. Along the way, he stopped at battlefields, resupplied using Walmart gift cards sent by his mother, and corresponded regularly with family.
He was last heard from on July 31st, near The Priest, a peak in Nelson County, Virginia—over 200 miles south of his starting point. That day, storms rolled through in the morning, followed by a string of warm, clear days. It’s unknown whether he hiked through the storm or waited it out, but by some estimates, he was averaging around 5 miles a day—a gentle pace, one of intention.
On August 12th, 2011, a group of hikers trekking along the Old Hotel Trail, which intersects the AT twice, discovered a partially buried body just off the path near the Cow Camp Gap Shelter. The FBI was immediately called in—it was federal land.
The victim was soon identified as Scott Lilly.
🧪 Forensics and the Fog of Mystery
Scott’s cause of death was ruled asphyxia by suffocation, a deeply intimate and chilling method of murder. Suffocation in homicide typically suggests that the victim was either incapacitated or asleep—and rarely does it occur without some sort of struggle unless the attacker had surprise and complete control.
His sleeping bag could have been used as a weapon, and if zipped in tightly, he may not have had the chance to defend himself. Scott wasn’t a large man—just 5’8” and 170 pounds—but suffocation takes 3–5 agonizing minutes, and even an unconscious body will twitch and convulse in defense. The person who killed him had to be strong, determined, and disturbingly calm.
The medical examiner did not release details about injuries to his neck, possibly to protect the integrity of the investigation.
🎒 What Was Missing?
Scott’s gear was gone—including his trail shoes (Ozark Trail brand, brown and orange), his backpack, clothes, propane stove, a Nintendo game, and AT handbook. Whether his tent or sleeping bag were missing was not publicly confirmed.
It’s hard to imagine another long-distance hiker carrying two full loads. Many believe the murderer was a local person, perhaps a day hiker or townsperson, not a fellow thru-hiker. The Cow Camp Gap Shelter is only half a mile from the AT, and just over 2.5 miles from the nearest road—a relatively easy approach for someone not heavily packed.
🕵️♀️ Five Trail Names and a Rumor Mill
In September 2011, investigators issued a public call for five hikers—known only by their trail names:
Mr. Coffee, White Wolf, Papa Smurf, Combat Gizmo, and Space Cadet.
The logbooks at local shelters placed them near Scott before his death. This sparked intense speculation on hiker forums, particularly around “Papa Smurf”, a man already known in the trail community for confrontations and previous arrests.
But after interviews, none were named suspects. In fact, Papa Smurf had been confirmed in a different state altogether at the time of Scott’s death.
What emerged from hiker forums at the time were warnings: stay away from shelters at night to avoid “drunken townies.” Many believed the killer wasn’t one of their own. That belief remains strong among the trail community even now.
🛣 How Close Was Help?
The closest town to the murder site is Buena Vista, VA, just 10 miles west. From The Priest to Cow Camp Gap Shelter is a 16.8-mile hike—a journey Scott could have completed in 1–3 days. But because no one knew the exact time of death and weather had been clear until the night before he was found, the timeline remained elusive.
📞 Justice Still Waits
In April 2012, the FBI announced a $10,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of Scott Lilly’s killer.
Since 1974, only nine hikers have been killed in six separate incidents along the AT. Scott’s murder remains one of the most chilling and mysterious of them all.
If you have any information about the death of Scott “Stonewall” Lilly, contact the FBI at 1-800-CALL-FBI (Option 4).
🕯 Case Two: The Lost Pond Trail Slaying of Louise Chaput
🔻 2001 – LOUISE CHAPUT
📍 Lost Pond Trail, New Hampshire
🕯 Murderer: Unknown | Motive: Unknown
The Appalachian Trail stretches more than 2,000 miles, drawing in countless hikers—thru-hikers, weekend warriors, spiritual seekers, and solo travelers. It connects not just landscapes, but lifetimes of stories. Some of those stories, like that of Louise Chaput, end not in peace, but in unimaginable violence.
Louise Chaput was a vibrant, passionate 52-year-old mother of two from Sherbrooke, Quebec, who cherished solitude as much as she loved community. She worked as a self-employed psychologist, specializing in marital counseling, and was often contracted by a law firm to help with high-stakes emotional mediation. Described by those who knew her as a free spirit with a deeply compassionate heart, Louise loved escaping into nature to recalibrate from life’s emotional toll.
The White Mountains of New Hampshire were one of her favorite places to do just that.
🌲 A Solo Escape Becomes a Vanishing
On November 15th, 2001, Louise made the familiar journey south from Canada into the U.S., crossing the border at Norton, Vermont, around 11:45 a.m.. By 3:00 p.m., she had arrived at Pinkham Notch, planning to stay the night at the Joe Dodge Lodge, located at the Appalachian Mountain Club Visitor Center.
Louise had originally planned a girls’ trip, but the emotional heaviness following the September 11th attacks led her friends to cancel. Undeterred, she chose to hike alone—something she had done many times before.
Before checking in, Louise stopped at the visitor center, where she spoke with an employee for hike recommendations. The man later recalled her French accent and how she had asked for an easier trail, saying she was tired after a long drive. He suggested the Lost Pond Trail, just across Route 16 from the lodge.
She thanked him and left.
That staff member was the last known person to see Louise Chaput alive.
🚗 A Missing Woman and a Trail Gone Cold
Instead of parking directly at the Lost Pond trailhead, Louise parked across the street at the Glen Falls parking area, near the Diretissima Trailhead. When she never checked in at the lodge, it raised no immediate alarms—cell service is spotty in the mountains, and she was an experienced solo hiker.
But by November 19th, Louise’s boyfriend reported her missing. Her two daughters, Corenne and Constance, were used to their mother checking in—even briefly. Silence was not like her.
On November 20th, her silver Ford Focus was located in the same parking spot. Search crews, helicopters, and dogs were deployed.
Two days later, on Thanksgiving Day, November 22nd, Louise’s body was discovered in a clearing about 200 feet off the Glen Brook Trail. She had been stabbed multiple times, and the scene showed clear signs of a struggle. Louise had fought hard.
The attack was brutal, and police concluded it had not been committed by someone she knew—it was a random act of violence in a place where she had sought peace.
🎒 Stolen Belongings, Unanswered Questions
Louise’s sleeping bag and large blue backpack—marked with a Canadian flag—were missing from her car, along with other clothing and gear. Her keys and a pendant featuring the letter “S” were also never found.
Yet oddly, her hiking boots, water, and chocolate—her essentials—were still in the car.
This detail raises a chilling possibility: Was she lured or forced out of her car? Did she intend to take only a short walk and didn’t expect to need supplies? The timing supports this. She arrived after 3:00 p.m., and sunset was around 4:15in mid-November. Being a seasoned hiker, Louise would have been aware of this and may have only intended to take a quick stroll before checking in.
If robbery was the motive, it didn’t extend to her credit cards, which were never used. In fact, the last use was at a convenience store in Colebrook, NH, shortly before 1:00 p.m. on the day she vanished.
🕯 A Family’s Ongoing Vigil
Louise’s daughter Constance Chaput-Raby, who was just 10 years old when her mother was murdered, has never stopped hoping for justice.
“Obviously we understand that there are other cases and it’s been 20 years, but still, you know, new eyes on the case, maybe a new detective can see something that people didn’t… There is probably someone knowing something in the area and as we know, almost every murderer talks about it to someone. It’s such a horrible secret to carry.”
Two of Louise’s closest friends, Denis Masson and Marie Pinault, now married and living in Ottawa, have remained tireless advocates. They regularly travel to Pinkham Notch to meet with law enforcement, distribute flyers, and support Louise’s daughters.
Marie once said:
“I think in English, the term closure, which we don’t have in French, is very appropriate. You never get your friend back, but at least you know what happened.”
📞 The Search for Answers Continues
This case remains unsolved. With few leads and time ticking on, law enforcement and Louise’s loved ones continue to urge the public to come forward.
If you have any information about the murder of Louise Chaput, please contact:
New Hampshire Cold Case Unit: 603-271-3658
New Hampshire State Police: 800-525-5555
🕯 Case Three: The Bridle Trail Murders of Julianne Williams & Lollie Winans: Possibly Solved but pending.
🔻 1996 – JULIANNE WILLIAMS & LAURA “LOLLIE” WINANS
📍 Shenandoah National Park, Virginia (just off the AT)
🕯 Murderer: Unknown | Motive: Unknown
On June 1, 1996, the bodies of Julianne “Julie” Williams (24) and Laura “Lollie” Winans (26) were found at a remote campsite in Shenandoah National Park, just ¼ mile from the Skyland Lodge, a well-known stop off Skyline Drive. They had been missing since May 24th, the last day anyone saw or heard from them. When Julie failed to return home, her father, Thomas Williams, grew concerned and alerted the National Park Service. A search began.
What they found was beyond horrifying: both women had been bound, gagged, and murdered in what appeared to be a targeted, calculated attack. Their campsite had been carefully concealed. Despite the proximity to a busy area of the park, no one reported hearing a thing.
Their deaths sent shockwaves through the LGBTQ+ community as well as the outdoor and thru-hiker circles. Julie and Lollie were in a romantic relationship—something that many at the time feared may have been a motive.
Their case went cold.
🧬 2024 Breakthrough: A Name, at Last
In 2021, the FBI’s Richmond Field Office launched a renewed investigation, forming a specialized team of FBI agents, analysts, and forensic experts to reexamine the crime from the ground up. Every lead, every piece of physical evidence, and every name in the file was revisited.
Working with a private forensic lab and the Virginia State Police, the team was able to extract new DNA profiles from critical pieces of evidence recovered from the crime scene. The profile was submitted to CODIS, the FBI’s national DNA database.
It matched.
The DNA belonged to Walter Leo Jackson Sr., born November 2, 1947, a convicted serial rapist and violent offender originally from Cleveland, Ohio. Jackson had a long and violent history: kidnapping, serial rape, and aggravated assault, and had served multiple prison sentences across his life. He died in prison in March 2018 in Cuyahoga County, Ohio.
“Even though we had this DNA match, we took additional steps and compared evidence from Lollie and Julie’s murders directly to a buccal swab containing Jackson’s DNA. Those results confirmed we had the right man,” said FBI Special Agent Stanley M. Meador.
“After 28 years, we are now able to say who committed the brutal murders of Lollie Winans and Julie Williams in Shenandoah National Park,” added United States Attorney Christopher R. Kavanaugh. “I want to again extend my condolences to the Winans and Williams families and hope today’s announcement provides some small measure of solace.”
🚐 A Ghost on the Trail
Jackson wasn’t just a predator—he was an avid hiker. He had a known habit of frequenting Shenandoah National Park, often blending in with outdoor travelers and changing vehicles frequently to avoid detection.
At the time of the murders, he was believed to be driving a 1984 chestnut brown AMC Eagle 30, and later a 1979 Ford Econoline 250 van. He used temporary plates, altered tags, and made a point to disappear into the woodwork—literally and figuratively.
Jackson had no known connection to the victims. The motive remains speculative, but investigators believe the attack was likely random—opportunistic, brutal, and premeditated.
The FBI is continuing to investigate Jackson’s potential links to other unsolved crimes across the Appalachian region and beyond.
If you have any information about Walter Leo Jackson Sr. or his possible connection to other crimes, please contact the FBI at 1-800-CALL-FBI or submit a tip at tips.fbi.gov.
🩸 Known Killers of the Appalachian Trail: The Mad Men Who Brought Horror to the Path
While most murders on the trail remain rare, some perpetrators have been identified—and their stories are nothing short of terrifying. These killers turned one of America’s most beloved trails into their hunting ground.
🔸 1981 – Randall Lee Smith
Victims: Robert Mountford Jr. & Laura Susan Ramsay
Smith murdered the two 27-year-old social workers—both passionate about helping others—on the trail near Pearisburg, Virginia. He offered them food, gained their trust, then killed them. After a plea deal, he served just 15 years. In 2008, Smith attempted to kill again, attacking two fishermen on the same trail. This time, they survived. Smith died shortly after in a car crash while fleeing.
🔸 1990 – Stephen Roy Carr
Victims: Rebecca Wight (killed), Claudia Brenner (survived)
Carr, living in the woods like a ghost, spied on the lesbian couple for hours before attacking them in cold blood. He shot them multiple times. Rebecca died instantly. Claudia, despite being shot, survived and crawled for help. Carr was later arrested and sentenced to life without parole. The case became one of the most prominent examples of hate crimes against LGBTQ hikers.
🔸 2019 – James L. Jordan
Victim: Ronald S. Sanchez Jr.
Known to other hikers as acting erratically in the days prior, Jordan fatally stabbed Iraq War veteran Ronald Sanchez and seriously injured another hiker. The tragedy stunned the community. Jordan was later found not guilty by reason of insanity and committed to a psychiatric facility.
🌲💀 Walking Between Worlds
The Appalachian Trail is often called a “thin place”—a space where the veil between worlds feels delicate. This unique designation highlights the trail’s profound connection to both the physical and spiritual realms. For many, traversing the 2,200-mile stretch of rugged beauty is not merely a physical challenge, but a transformative journey. It serves as a path of healing, self-discovery, and communion with nature that allows hikers to reconnect with themselves and their surroundings in a deeply meaningful way.
The experience varies significantly from one individual to another. While some find tranquility and a sense of belonging on the trail, others have encountered darker tales throughout its stretches. These paths have, unfortunately, become sites of disappearance, fear, and loss, reminding us of the fragility of life and the unpredictable nature of the wilderness. The stories of those who have gone missing or faced perilous situations are not just haunting—they illuminate the importance of respect for the land and each other. They serve as sobering reminders of our shared responsibility to look out for our fellow adventurers and to cherish the world that sustains us.
Whether you’re a dedicated thru-hiker, a weekend adventurer soaking in the sights, or someone who draws comfort from the stories of those who brave the wilderness, it’s essential to walk with intention, awareness, and respect. Awareness of the trail’s unpredictable nature, the challenges it presents, and the beauty it bestows upon the mindful traveler can enrich one’s journey. Furthermore, for those hikers who never made it home, may their memories guide us forward, like lanterns in the dark, illuminating our path and inspiring us to tread thoughtfully. We should carry the essence of their stories with us, ensuring that we honor not only our own journeys but also the legacies of those who ventured before us in this sacred space.
☕ If You Know Something: Speak Up
While two of these cases remain unsolved, and one has only recently been closed through DNA, every detail matters. Whether you were hiking the trail that day, lived nearby, or heard something—you may hold the missing piece that could bring justice to these victims and peace to their families.
If you have any information regarding any of these cases:
- Scott “Stonewall” Lilly (2011)
- 📞 Call the FBI at 1-800-CALL-FBI and select Option 4
- Louise Chaput (2001)
- 📞 Call the New Hampshire Cold Case Unit at 603-271-3658
- 📞 Or contact the New Hampshire State Police at 800-525-5555
- Julianne Williams & Lollie Winans (1996)
- 📞 Call the FBI at 1-800-CALL-FBI
- 💻 Submit a tip online at tips.fbi.gov
No tip is too small. Time may have passed, but justice has no expiration date.
📚 Sources:
- FBI Richmond Field Office Press Release (2024): Shenandoah National Park Double Murder Suspect Identified
- Uncovered.com Case Files: Scott Lilly, Louise Chaput
- ATC History: Appalachian Trail Conservancy
- Crime Junkie Podcast Episodes: Scott Lilly & Appalachian Trail Cases
- NHPR Reports: “20 Years After Louise Chaput’s Death, Family Still Seeks Answers”
- Trail community forums, National Park bulletins, and local law enforcement case summaries
- FBI.gov
- Washington Post
- Boston Globe archives
- OutdoorLife.com
- NBC News
- Justice.gov
- New Hampshire State Police
- Shenandoah National Park Cold Case Files
🍵 Until Next Time…
Thank you for wandering the trail of truth with us in this chilling chapter of Tea & Mystery. These woods hold many secrets—but we believe every story deserves to be told, and every soul deserves to be remembered.
Whether you’re hiking the mountains or reading from home, stay curious, stay compassionate, and keep your eyes open to the unknown.
Much love and many blessings,
Mrs. B
☕ Tea & Mystery
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