So much for random acts of senseless kindness.

Yesterday it was reported that two Seattle women (a mother and daughter) were found dead on a trail near Mount Pilchuck in the Cascade Mountain Range, northeast of Seattle. Today it’s been confirmed that both women were shot and killed, the victims of what the Sheriff’s office called “homicidal violence.”

From the Times:

Neil Bresheare, a member of the Mountaineers hiking group in Everett who uses the trails in that area, said the news is “disconcerting, because it is a family place, it’s a place where you will take the kids.”

“Disconcerting” is right. It’s outright tragic, especially for the backpackers and hikers of the area, and it pisses me off to no end. Hiking is one of the most amazing activities that I do, both strenuous and relaxing. I love it. But apparently my fellow hikers and I now have to worry about getting freaking shot! Geez. Typically my friends leave me with “don’t get eaten by a bear” before I leave for my backpacking trips. I guess they’ll have to update that to “don’t get senselessly murdered while enjoying yourself on your seemingly safe and serene woodland trek.” Let’s just hope the killer is found soon. Maybe the judge will sentence him or her to “be eaten by a bear.”

Photo of Mount Pillchuck lookout by Bob & Ira Spring, via the PI.