Court Documents Reveal Man Stabbed Multiple Victims on Appalachian Trail

Court documents reveal what transpired on the case involving the Massachusetts man who is charged with murder and assault with intent to commit murder on the Appalachian Trail.

James Jordan, 30, was in Federal Court in Abingdon Monday, and documents say Jordan approached four hikers on the trail near Smyth County, and those hikers say he appeared disturbed and unstable. The hikers made camp in Wythe County, but decided to leave after receiving threats from Jordan. Jordan chased after two hikers with a knife, and then returned to the campsite where he allegedly stabbed one victim and then chased after another victim to which Jordan also stabbed. The second victim was able to receive assistance from her wounds and call 911.

Police later found Jordan at the campsite and arrested him. The first victim was pronounced dead at the scene and the second was taken to the Bristol Regional Medical Center for her injuries. Police have formally charged the man with assault with intent to commit murder within the special maritime and territorial jurisdiction of the United States and murder within the special maritime and territorial jurisdiction of the United States. A judge has ordered for a psychiatric evaluation of Jordan to determine if he is able to stand trial.