FBI Seeking Help w/Investigation of Hiker's Death

imported
#1

The FBI has requested the Appalachian Trail Conservancy send out the following revised press release, dated Friday, about the investigation into the death of an A.T. hiker whose body was found along the A.T. in central Virginia last month. They are asking for assistance in locating hikers who may have spent time with the victim, Scott “Stonewall” Lilly. Trail names of hikers they are looking for are listed at the end of the release, below.

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Federal Bureau of Investigation
Richmond Division
1970 East Parham Road
Richmond, Virginia 23228


Public Relations Office, (804) 627-4482
September 2, 2011

Media Coordinator: Dee Rybiski

UPDATE OF INVESTIGATION INTO SUSPICIOUS DEATH IN THE
GEORGE WASHINGTON NATIONAL FOREST

On August 12, 2011, hikers reported the discovery of a deceased individual located near a hiking trail in close proximity to the Appalachian Trail, in the Northwest part of Amherst County, Virginia. Investigators from the Amherst County Sheriff’s Office, the Virginia State Police, the United States Forest Service and the Federal Bureau of Investigation responded to the scene and the body was transported to the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner, Virginia Department of Health.

Subsequent investigation identified the victim as Mr. Scott Lilly of South Bend, Indiana, known by the trail name “Stonewall.” It appears Mr. Lilly was hiking the Appalachian Trail and the circumstances of his death are suspicious.

While this multiagency investigation is ongoing, and the release of information may be limited, it is important for the public to be aware that no information has been developed by these agencies that would lead investigators to believe other hikers would be targeted. However, hikers are encouraged to continue exercising the usual precautions while on any trail.

Information provided by the public thus far has been extremely beneficial in advancing this investigation. Investigators are now seeking to locate and identify several additional hikers, who while using the following trail names, may have had contact with Mr. Lilly. These individuals are:

“Mr. Coffee”
“White Wolf”
“Papa Smurf”
“Combat Gizmo” and “Space Cadet” (possibly a husband/wife team)

Anyone with information regarding these individuals is once again urged to call the FBI at 1-800-225-5324, option #4 (1-800-CALL FBI, #4).

Laurie Potteiger
Information Services Manager
Appalachian Trail Conservancy
799 Washington Street | P.O. Box 807
Harpers Ferry, WV 25425-0807
Phone: 304.535.2200 x128
lpotteiger@appalachiantrail.org

FBI seeking help w/investigation of Hiker’s Death

#2

I was in Duncannon PA at the Doyle in 07 and met a man who wanted to do serious harm to me. He even mentioned that another hiker met a tragic death in a previous year and that after he was hit by a train no one knew that he was actually beaten to death prior to being placed on the tracks. He was a burly farmer in his mid forties with meat hooks for hands. I had walked 25 miles that day from Boiling Springs in 90 plus degree weather and the Doyle was too hot upstairs to sleep so I met him while at the bar. Fortunately, I was too exhausted to drink. To make a long story short I had to use my wits and the help of a southbound section hiker to change this guy’s state of mind. In the end he opened up and told us about his life and the struggles he faced as a tenant farmer. Until he came around he terrified me with his threatening gaze that seemed to indicate the demonic joy he was planning on my expense. In over 7500 miles of hiking this was my only personal experience a trouble soul looking to exact revenge on someone for his miserable lot in life. While he was definitely the exception to most all I met I have heard many stories over time about hikers who have been hassled or attacked over the years. While I personally believe the AT is very safe, one must always keep alert when around strangers because a few people have personal, emotional or mental problems. And sometimes they end up on the AT. My heart goes out to the lost hiker and his family.

stealthblew

#3

Anyone who met the people mentioned in the press release above, who spent time with Stonewall, or met anyone else who spent time with Stonewall is strongly urged to contact the FBI at the numbers above.

If you do not feel comfortable contacting the FBI, you can contact A.T. NPS Chief Ranger Todd Remaley, a former thru-hiker, at (304) 535-6171 office or (717) 991-0126 cell or A.T. Ranger Eric Barron (304) 535-5093 or (301) 639-0167 cell.

Laurie Potteiger
ATC

Laurie Potteiger