Episode #555: Murder On The Trail - Pearisburg, Virginia

Hosts: James Pietragallo & Jimmie Whisman
Release Date: December 26, 2024
Description: Two comedians explore the intricacies of a small town, its unique dynamics, and a tragic murder that shook the community. Through meticulous research and their comedic lens, hosts James Pietragallo and Jimmie Whisman unravel the story behind Randall Lee Smith and the double homicide in Pearisburg, Virginia.

Introduction

In Episode #555 of Small Town Murder, hosts James Pietragallo and Jimmie Whisman dive deep into the unsettling case of a double murder that took place on the Appalachian Trail near Pearisburg, Virginia. Combining thorough investigation with their characteristic humor, they shed light on the life of Randall Lee Smith, the events leading up to the murders, and the subsequent investigation that captivated the small community.

Setting the Scene: Pearisburg, Virginia

Pearisburg, a quaint town founded in 1808 and situated in Giles County, Virginia, presents itself as a peaceful locale nestled between Beckley and Roanoke. Despite its idyllic appearance, the town holds secrets that would later emerge in a horrifying light.

James Pietragallo (08:27):
*"George Paris was a war hero... He operated a ferry, the first store, and a tavern."_

The town boasts a low unemployment rate and affordable housing, making it an attractive place for many. However, beneath these statistics lies a community grappling with deeper issues, including a higher-than-average property crime rate.

Jimmie Whisman (09:19):
*"Have you heard of Zillow?"_

The Victims: Robert Mountford Jr. & Susan Ramsey

On May 30, 1981, hikers Robert Mountford Jr. (27) and Susan Ramsey (27) embarked on a journey along the Appalachian Trail, aiming to raise funds for mentally disturbed children. Their disappearance sparked an immediate search effort, but it wasn't until ten days later that their bodies were discovered.

James Pietragallo (20:38):
*"Loretta got divorced when Randall was six months old. They were struggling, just the two of them."_

Mountford was found with three gunshot wounds to the head, while Ramsey exhibited multiple stab wounds and defensive injuries, indicating a brutal confrontation.

Jimmie Whisman (53:34):
*"He used a piece of iron to hit her in the head. He also stabbed her with a long nail."_

Randall Lee Smith: The Prime Suspect

Randall Lee Smith (27), a local resident with a history of erratic behavior and fabricated stories, quickly became the center of the investigation. Known for his solitary nature and odd hobbies, Smith's fingerprints were discovered on a book at the crime scene, placing him at the location during the time of the murders.

James Pietragallo (55:28):
*"Randall could have bought it in May or April and just not have been turned in yet."_

Despite his claims of being in Connecticut at the time, inconsistencies in his alibi and the mounting evidence pointed towards his involvement.

The Investigation: Unraveling the Evidence

The investigation faced numerous challenges, including meticulously searching the vast Appalachian Trail and dealing with the limited resources of a small-town police force. Key pieces of evidence included:

• Fingerprint Analysis: Randall's prints were found on a paperback book at the shelter where the bodies were discovered.
• Bloodstained Clothing: Items belonging to both victims were found at Smith's residence, suggesting his presence at the crime scene.
• Handwritten Notes: A disjointed note found in Smith's abandoned truck referenced the murders, further incriminating him.

Jimmie Whisman (60:25):
*"Pretty smart."_

However, the investigation hit a roadblock when the fingerprint did not match any existing databases, leading authorities to broaden their search to private fingerprint databases, which eventually provided a match to Smith.

James Pietragallo (67:06):
*"He's not home."_

Arrest and Plea Bargain

Smith was apprehended in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, after his abandoned Ford Ranger pickup truck was spotted by a state trooper. During his arrest, Smith exhibited signs of disorientation and claimed amnesia, refusing to provide coherent answers about his identity.

James Pietragallo (75:36):
*"This is the Patterson. He knows about the murder."_

Faced with overwhelming circumstantial evidence and public pressure, Smith accepted a plea bargain for second-degree murder charges, a decision that ignited controversy and accusations of a miscarriage of justice.

Jimmie Whisman (90:23):
*"Miscarriage of justice."_

Community Reaction and Aftermath

The plea bargain was met with outrage from both the families of the victims and the local community, who felt that justice was not adequately served. Despite the evidence, including fingerprints and bloodstains, Smith received a 30-year sentence instead of the harsher penalties he seemingly deserved.

James Pietragallo (91:07):
*"This is a mess. Imagine living in that area during this time."_

Smith's eventual death in prison five years after his conviction closed the case but left lingering questions about the adequacy of the legal response and the community's ability to cope with such a tragedy.

Conclusion: Reflections on Small Town Justice

"Murder On The Trail" serves as a poignant exploration of how small towns handle heinous crimes, the complexities of the legal system, and the lasting impact on the community. Hosts James and Jimmy invite listeners to ponder the intricacies of human behavior and the quest for justice in the most unexpected places.

James Pietragallo (172:27):
*"Until next week, everybody. It's been our pleasure."_

Notable Quotes

• James Pietragallo (05:23):
  "What do you think true crime and comedy should. We might not be the show for you, but we might be the show for you."

• Jimmie Whisman (24:29):
  "Spend by yourself though, you know, I."

• James Pietragallo (35:32):
  "He seems like a decent welder. I mean, you ever talk to welders? A lot of them are weird people."

• Jimmie Whisman (86:21):
  "Here's a special holiday deal for wondery listeners."
  (Note: This quote is part of an advertisement and is excluded from the core content summary.)

Key Takeaways

• Complexity of Small-Town Investigations: Limited resources and overlapping community relationships can complicate the pursuit of justice.

• Impact of Plea Bargains: Even with substantial evidence, plea bargains can lead to perceptions of injustice among the community and victim families.

• Human Behavior Under Scrutiny: Randall Smith's case highlights the lengths to which individuals might go, including fabricating identities and violent actions, under societal pressures.

Listeners who haven't tuned in yet can follow "Small Town Murder" on shutupandgivemerder.com and join the conversation on Instagram and Facebook under the handle @smalltownmurder.