echo
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Post by echo on May 13, 2019 7:50:44 GMT -8
I don’t know in this particular case, but in recent cases I’ve seen here, when the person testifying is from out of the area they arrange a phone on speaker and allow long distance testimony.
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ErnieW
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Post by ErnieW on May 13, 2019 7:54:16 GMT -8
Hindsight is 20/20. Easy to say the hikers should have done more.
At the time, besides the other factors cited above, the hikers may have not wanted to make things worse for a troubled guy. They notified the authorities but didn't want to send the guy to jail possibly.
What would you do if there was a hiker going in the same direction who was always agitated and talking to themselves or possibly imaginary people (no apparent weapons)? Would you even call the authorities? Or just live and let live? Big *ss knife time?
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Post by Lamebeaver on May 13, 2019 8:25:46 GMT -8
It's sad that people with mental problems (which the killer clearly has) cannot get the help they need until someone dies....literally.
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RumiDude
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Post by RumiDude on May 13, 2019 9:22:53 GMT -8
I don’t know in this particular case, but in recent cases I’ve seen here, when the person testifying is from out of the area they arrange a phone on speaker and allow long distance testimony. Well every state has it's own regulations on such, but generally video/telephone testimony is only allowed in civil courts not criminal, only when both parties agree, and when proper safeguards are present. This would have been a criminal case so it is unlikely a video/conferencing call testimony would be even considered. Rumi
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swmtnbackpacker
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Post by swmtnbackpacker on May 14, 2019 14:37:03 GMT -8
Updated info on the case including current status, more about the previous altercations, why law enforcement couldn’t do anything, etc.. Outside magazine: Someone was murdered on the AT this weekend I don’t know in this particular case, but in recent cases I’ve seen here, when the person testifying is from out of the area they arrange a phone on speaker and allow long distance testimony. The FBI has 5 witnesses, including a trail angel who tried to get the perp off-trail before the attack, sequestered in a motel probably where the judge is. Thing is unlike other attacks on the AT, there was about 6 weeks worth of warnings this guy was dangerous. What’s interesting is the murder is being federal maritime law last I heard so maybe there’ll be more proactive protections for thru-hikers on the big trails that get federal support (AT, PCT, CDT, etc.., many of whom are foreign tourists. This and maybe getting those affected to press charges. Maybe then when it’s just harassment, like echo said, it could be handled via video. Think this will be in person testifying ...
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RumiDude
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Post by RumiDude on May 14, 2019 17:09:06 GMT -8
it could be handled via video The Sixth Amendment to the US Constitution gives the defendant in criminal cases the right to face their accuser. That's a pretty big hurdle to get over. Rumi
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swmtnbackpacker
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Post by swmtnbackpacker on May 14, 2019 18:13:55 GMT -8
it could be handled via video The Sixth Amendment to the US Constitution gives the defendant in criminal cases the right to face their accuser. That's a pretty big hurdle to get over. Rumi Was thinking if it stayed in the “civil” arena, though perhaps harassment is “criminal” ... especially with a machete.
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Post by bluefish on May 15, 2019 3:16:03 GMT -8
A mental health issue. Grey area. Apparently he had not been threatening enough or perpetrated violence in his incident in Tenn. It's left before judges to decide whether someone is to be mandated into institutionalization or not. This person isn't going to prison, they're going to be placed in a heavy security mental hospital. Rumi's argument about the hikers staying around to testify is very valid. Now the FBI is detaining witnesses. A result of this incident is going to be an explosion of pistols being carried on the trail. Expect some accidents and crimes of passion from carrying "heat". A UL backpacking FB forum I read is lit up with the how to's of carrying. Sand down the grip? Shorten the barrel? Copper vs. steel jacket? DCF holsters? I'm being facetious, but it doesn't negate the implications for future AT throughs.
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ErnieW
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Post by ErnieW on May 15, 2019 3:46:46 GMT -8
Expect some accidents and crimes of passion from carrying "heat". This is big in our world but I don't think many "normal" people saw this. I don't think this story will increase the "heat" on the trail. If it does at all the effect will be short lived.
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balzaccom
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Post by balzaccom on May 15, 2019 5:08:44 GMT -8
about an hour ago bluefish said: "Expect some accidents and crimes of passion from carrying "heat". This is big in our world but I don't think many "normal" people saw this. I don't think this story will increase the "heat" on the trail. If it does at all the effect will be short lived."
I disagree. This has been on all the major news feeds throughout the US. True, it's not likely that many of those people will hike the AT or any other trail, but I can guarantee that this will be the topic of conversation between "normal people" and those of us who hike a lot. We're going to spend a fair amount of time with our families and friends explaining why it is not dangerous to go backpacking...
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ErnieW
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Post by ErnieW on May 15, 2019 5:40:45 GMT -8
We're going to spend a fair amount of time with our families and friends explaining why it is not dangerous to go backpacking... I would be interested to hear if anyone has a conversation with someone about the safety of the trail particularly triggered by this event.
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zeke
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Post by zeke on May 15, 2019 5:41:31 GMT -8
I would not expect much discussion among families of backpackers about any increased worries just because of this incident. Most families have already gone over whatever dangers they perceive. People who have experience hiking know this is an isolated incident, much like theft in the bc.
I do expect those who have not been hiking to think this is a threat. To point out the real dangers, like driving to the mall or walking across a street, might not allay the fears. Some people just need to fear something, whether it has any basis or not.
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Post by JRinGeorgia on May 15, 2019 6:08:34 GMT -8
Mmmm, I'm already hearing it. My family never sees the headline "Man Hikes In Wilderness, Has A Good Time".
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ErnieW
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Post by ErnieW on May 15, 2019 8:11:24 GMT -8
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balzaccom
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Post by balzaccom on May 15, 2019 10:38:17 GMT -8
I've already had people contact me to talk about this...people who know I backpack. And I had someone just yesterday mention it to me when I told them that I loved to backpack. "Oooh," she said. "Did you see that story about the guy with the machete?"
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