Appalachian Nightmare: The Murders That Shook the Trail

Randall Lee Smith was convicted of killing Robert Mountford Jr. and Susan Ramsay, two Virginia social workers hiking the Appalachian Trail in support of a charity. Both were brutally murdered. Randall, familiar with the area, was arrested and convicted of the brutal death of the two hikers. After serving 15 years of a 30-year sentence, Smith was released on parole in 1996, causing concern among the public. Randall returned to the trail years later, where he attempted to kill two fishermen, Scott Johnston, 38, and Sean Farmer, 33. Despite being shot and left for dead, the men survived. After a high-speed chase following the 2008 attack, Smith crashed his vehicle and later died in custody.

MENTAL HEALTH:

If you or someone you know is in need of mental health support/resources, please reach out to SAMHSA at 800-662-HELP. Or contact the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988. There are supportive people who love you and will help you through this.