Massachusetts

Massachusetts man charged in fatal attack on Appalachian Trail

ABINGDON, Va. — Federal authorities say a Massachusetts man has been arrested in an attack on the Appalachian Trail in Virginia that left one person dead and another severely injured.

U.S. Attorney Thomas Cullen said in a news release Sunday that 30-year-old James L. Jordan of West Yarmouth, Massachusetts, was arrested early Saturday and charged with murder and assault.

The Wythe County Sheriff's Office said in a statement Saturday that two hikers reported a man with a machete was attacking people. The federal release doesn't identify the weapon but describes the attack as a "deadly stabbing."

Jordan reportedly went by the name of "Sovereign."

We have received calls from hikers that a hiker that calls himself “ Sovereign “ has threaten them on the trail head at...

Posted by Michael K. Hensley on Sunday, April 21, 2019

Jordon was also arrested last month in Tennessee and charged with threatening people on the Appalachian Trail there with an ax.

>> Related: Appalachian Trail hiker arrested on assault charge, police say

He received probation in that case and was ordered to pay fines.

Authorities say the federal charges against Jordan will be filed officially on Monday and Jordan will have a first appearance in U.S. District Court in Abingdon.

It wasn't clear Sunday if Jordan has an attorney.