Man arrested in deadly machete attack on Appalachian Trail

A 30-year-old Massachusetts man will be charged with murder and assault with the intent of murder on Monday after allegedly using a machete to attack two hikers on the Appalachian Trail in Virginia early Saturday morning, authorities said Sunday.

The unidentified hikers, a man and woman, were together when they were attacked. The female victim was seriously wounded, and walked six miles in order to find other hikers to call for help. The man later died from his injuries.

The suspect, James Jordan of West Yarmouth, was arrested Saturday, and is facing federal charges because the incident took place on federal land. In April, Jordan was charged with criminal impersonation and drug possession after threatening hikers on the trail in North Carolina and Tennessee; he was put on probation and ordered to pay fines.

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