[hellbender]

Have any of the AT murder victims not been female? I think it is very dangerous for a woman to be on the trail alone. Another factor is that a hiker inside a sleeping bag in a small tent , esp. when actually asleep, is extremely vulnerable. It's almost like already being tied up inside a cage.

[Scoutmaster]

Have any of the AT murder victims not been female?

Yes. Three men. The murders:

• 1996 (Virginia)- Two women found in Shenandoah National Park with their throats slashed. They were camped off the trail, and had a golden retriever which was unharmed. The man convicted of killing them indicated he did so because he hated women and gays (the women were lesbians).

• 1990 (Pennsylvania)- A man and woman shot to death in a shelter as they slept. The killer was caught.

• 1988 (Pennsylvania) - Two women attacked by a man on the trail in Pennsylvania. He shot and killed one. Again, the killer was captured and indicated he did so because the women were lesbians.

• 1981 (Virginia) - Man and woman thru-hikers killed in cabin. Killer was caught.

• 1975 (Tennessee) - A woman hacked to death with a hatchet. Killer was caught.

• 1974 (Georgia) - Man killed in shelter.