Cape Cod Man Charged With Murder On Appalachian Trail

WYTHE COUNTY, VA — A Cape Cod man has been charged in a stabbing attack that left one person dead and another severely injured on the Appalachian Trail. James Jordan, 30, of West Yarmouth, was arrested early Saturday morning. He faces federal charges of murder within the special maritime territorial jurisdiction of the United States and assault with the intent to murder within the special maritime territorial jurisdiction of the United States.

"I commend local law enforcement in Wythe and Smyth Counties for mobilizing successful rescue and tactical operations in this remote region," U.S. Attorney Thomas Cullen stated today. "Thanks to their efforts, the suspect was safely apprehended and a seriously wounded victim received critical medical care. We will continue to work with our state and local partners to bring the perpetrator of this senseless and brutal attack to justice."

Two hikers reported Saturday that a man with a machete was attacking people on the trail, and a man and woman were injured, authorities said. Police arrested a man that same day.

Officials told the Washington Post Jordan threatened four hikers camped out Friday night. Jordan – who had a machete and was with a dog – chased two of the hikers, who were able to escape and report the attack to sheriff's deputies, authorities said. Jordan caught up to the other two hikers, one of whom played dead during the attack and later fled, according to authorities.

Jordan will be officially charged in U.S. District Court in Abingdon Monday morning.