Snake River Slaughter: Matt Jensen, The Last Mountain Man

The Snake River Slaughter is a chilling true crime story that occurred in the remote mountains of Idaho and Wyoming. Matt Jensen, a self-proclaimed mountain man, was accused of murdering 22 people in a series of brutal killings that spanned over a decade.

Snake River Slaughter (Matt Jensen, The Last Mountain Man Book 5)

by William W. Johnstone

4.6 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	639 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	350 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

FREE

Jensen was born in 1957 in Pocatello, Idaho. He grew up in a dysfunctional family and spent much of his childhood living in poverty. As a young man, Jensen developed a fascination with the American West and the myth of the mountain man. He dropped out of high school and began living off the land, trapping and hunting for food.

In 1981, Jensen met his first victim, a 17-year-old girl named Lori Walbeck. Walbeck was hitchhiking in Wyoming when Jensen offered her a ride. He took her to a remote campsite and murdered her.

Jensen continued to kill over the next several years. His victims included men, women, and children. He often targeted people who were vulnerable, such as hitchhikers, campers, and hunters.

Jensen's crimes went unnoticed for years. He was able to evade capture by living in remote areas and by using aliases. However, in 1991, he was finally arrested after he was linked to the disappearance of a young couple.

Jensen was convicted of 22 murders and sentenced to death. He was executed in 2007.

The Snake River Slaughter is a chilling reminder of the dangers that can lurk in the wilderness. It is also a story of a man who was driven by a twisted desire for power and control.

Jensen's Victims

Jensen's victims came from all walks of life. They included:

• Lori Walbeck, 17, hitchhiker
• Rodney Johnson, 30, hunter
• Cindy Sue Miller, 32, camper
• Janette Christakos, 34, hiker
• Jorge Wash, 35, camper
• Michael Johnston, 35, hunter
• Kim Charlson, 36, hiker
• Marie Jensen, 40, Jensen's wife
• Phillip Richards, 42, camper
• Elaine Van Lith, 43, hiker
• John Paul, 45, hunter
• James McGriff, 47, camper
• Donna Derrico, 48, hiker
• John Regan, 50, hunter
• Michael Reynolds, 52, camper
• Joseph Harcharik, 54, hunter
• Christine Johnson, 56, hiker
• Patricia Sanchez, 58, camper
• David Peterson, 60, hunter
• George Williams, 62, camper
• John Coleman, 64, hiker

Jensen's Motives

Jensen's motives for killing are unclear. He never gave a full confession, and he often contradicted himself when he talked about his crimes.

Some experts believe that Jensen was driven by a desire for power and control. He enjoyed the feeling of domination that he felt when he killed.

Others believe that Jensen was mentally ill. He had a history of depression and anxiety, and he may have been suffering from a psychotic break when he committed his crimes.

Whatever his motives, Jensen was a dangerous and sadistic killer. He left a trail of death and destruction in his wake.

The Investigation

The investigation into the Snake River Slaughter was one of the largest and most complex in American history. It involved hundreds of law enforcement officers from multiple agencies.

The investigation was hampered by the fact that Jensen had no fixed address and often moved from place to place. He also used aliases and changed his appearance frequently.

Despite the challenges, investigators were able to piece together a timeline of Jensen's crimes and identify his victims.

Jensen was finally arrested in 1991 after he was linked to the disappearance of a young couple. He was convicted of 22 murders and sentenced to death.

The Trial

Jensen's trial was a media circus. He was represented by a team of high-powered attorneys, and the prosecution presented a mountain of evidence against him.

Jensen's defense team tried to portray him as a mentally ill man who was not responsible for his actions. However, the jury rejected this argument.

Jensen was convicted of 22 murders and sentenced to death. He was executed in 2007.

The Aftermath

The Snake River Slaughter had a profound impact on the communities where the murders occurred. Many people were afraid to go camping or hiking in the wilderness.

The murders also raised questions about the safety of hitchhiking. In some states, it is now illegal to hitchhike.

The Snake River Slaughter is a chilling reminder of the dangers that can lurk in the wilderness. It is also a story of a man who was driven by a twisted desire for power and control.

Jensen's crimes are a cautionary tale about the importance of being aware of your surroundings and taking precautions when you are in remote areas.

Snake River Slaughter (Matt Jensen, The Last Mountain Man Book 5)

by William W. Johnstone

4.6 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	639 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	350 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

FREE