Yes I remember...from what I understand now that problem is not as bad as it used to be.
The gangs also used to target international tourists because they would be flush with cash upon arriving here.
It really gave Florida a bad rap for a while.
It now looks as though James Kim died within two days of leaving the car.
http://www.oregonlive.com/news/oregonian/index.ssf?/base/news/116555193774760.xml&coll=7&thispage=1
The details are in the article. It is even more amazing that he covered that much ground in that terrain in just two days.
What a shame - he never had a chance.