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Posted by Fred on January 7, 2008 at 10:04:14 am EST
In reply to Missing Hiker posted by Old Hermit on January 3, 2008 at 11:52:23 pm EST

I've been following this - apparently they've recovered various bloody garments and a bloody seatbelt, and the van the (apparent) killer owned (missing the rear seatbelt). He's a 61 year old - and this killing may be connected to another that he's suspected of (two people).

As Alicia states, this isn't in any way, shape or form the fault of Meredith (although I'm certain that, when it comes to trial, the defense attorney will attempt to point the finger of blame her way) - what it points out (in my opinion) to the backcountry community is that we need to watch out for each other and report suspicious characters and behavior to the authorities. We also need to evaluate situations and people we come across and, if possible, do what we can to avoid those which send up red flags.
Like Alicia, I can only hope that whoever perpetuated this tragic event comes to justice and that the family can find some sense of closure in the wake of this event.

On rare occasions, I've run into people that just didn't seem "right" - typically at trail heads or within a couple miles of pavement. I'll admit that, even for a 6'2" tall guy in fairly decent condition, it's made me feel uncomfortable. These folks may have been "dangerous" or they might just have been "colorful" - but a friend of mine (with whom I used to climb) had a saying (he applied it to placing protection, but it fits for most situations) - "when in doubt, doubt".

Let your instincts be your guide when it comes to people you meet on and off the trail, and be careful out there.

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