Convicted Murderer Being Charged With Attempted Murder Of Two On Appalachian Trail

May 9, 2008 10:00 a.m. EST

Roanoke, VA (AHN) - A convicted murderer will be arraigned on charges of shooting and wounding two men on the Appalachian Trail in Virginia on Tuesday a few miles from the spot where he killed two hikers in 1981, according to reports Friday.

Randall Lee Smith, 54, became eligible for parole in 1986, was paroled in 1996 and lived in the small town of Pearisburg, about 50 miles west of Roanoke, until two months ago when he went missing. Authorities say they think they found a campsite where Smith has been staying for those two months.

Smith was arrested after he was found driving a truck that belonged to one of the victims.

He is expected to be charged with two counts of attempted capital murder, grand larceny and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, the Giles County Sheriff's office reportedly said on Thursday.