Zane and Heath: Unfiltered - Episode 267: Heath Was in the Presence of a Murderer

Release Date: January 20, 2025

Introduction

In Episode 267 of Zane and Heath: Unfiltered, hosts Zane, Heath, Matt, and Mariah delve into a harrowing experience shared by Heath during a recent backpacking trip. The episode, titled "Heath Was in the Presence of a Murderer," explores the unsettling encounter Heath had with a fugitive while navigating the remote trails.

Heath's Backpacking Trip and the Encounter with a Fugitive

[32:27] Heath: "Backpacking trip that you take. This freaked me out and I just found out about it when I went home for Christmas."

Heath recounts his solitary backpacking adventure along the Appalachian Trail, unaware that a dangerous fugitive named Nicholas Wayne was also on the same trail during his stay.

[33:06] Heath: "So this dude killed somebody and would steal their identity, like their ID and then go to another person and do the same thing along the trail or just."

Nicholas Wayne had been committing a series of murders, stealing victims' identities to mask his crimes. Heath shares that Wayne deceived authorities by reporting himself as a hiker who had fallen off a cliff, thereby misleading investigation efforts.

[34:18] Heath: "By himself. This is a very remote area. It's very, very. Nobody is do. Like. And the fact that, like, I wonder if he saw, like, our camp light and, like, came walking and then realized there was five of us there."

Heath reflects on the tension and fear surrounding the possibility of an unexpected encounter with Wayne. Although no direct confrontation occurred, the proximity of such a threat left a lasting impact on Heath.

Timeline of Events and Capture of the Fugitive

The group discusses the timeline leading to Wayne's capture, emphasizing the rapid developments that unfolded during and after Heath's trip.

[35:18] Zane: "So on October 18, the 911 call was made, and a body is found. And then the next day, police meet Nick. In parentheses, Hamlet takes a Greyhound to South Carolina police."

[35:46] Heath: "My hike was November 4th to the 8th, and during that time, 4th to, like, the 10th, they had spot, like, he had been, like, spotted in Knoxville it. In that trail area."

Nicholas Wayne, also referred to as Hamlet, was actively evading capture during Heath's backpacking period. His activities included fleeing authorities across various states, culminating in his eventual apprehension.

Group Reactions and Reflections

The hosts express their shock and concern over the incident, contemplating the "what-ifs" and the importance of vigilance in remote areas.

[36:00] Heath: "So I. I don't know for sure if that was the dude that walked."

[36:10] Matt: "I'd have been so pissed if you died on my birthday. That have been the worst birthday."

[36:28] Heath: "The head of that fire truck, when it was. Even before even passing that first track, he should have seen that coming."

[36:36] Matt: "That's the heat. That's."

[36:40] Matt: "I know. Next year. Heath, you're like, 20 people. If. If five. If five, like, guys on the trip, like, kind of saved your life in some way. I'd be like, let's. Let's up it by triple, dude. Like, it impossible for anybody."

The conversation underscores the randomness of fate and the importance of preparedness, especially when engaging in solitary or adventurous activities.

Preventative Measures and Lessons Learned

The hosts discuss strategies to prevent such dangerous encounters and the psychological impact of knowing a threat was nearby.

[37:16] Zane: "Or set up. Like, you're like, hunting cameras. Like, just. Yeah."

[37:20] Heath: "Approach him, but just be like, like, what are you doing here right now?"

[37:24] Zane: "Like, I wouldn't have even said."

[37:25] Matt: "Yeah. No, that you don't want to trick. You don't want to trigger him. What? You don't know if he has a. Did he. Did he."

The discussion highlights the delicate balance between maintaining personal safety and the instinct to confront potential threats, emphasizing that such situations require careful judgment and caution.

Closing Thoughts

The episode wraps up with reflections on the incident, gratitude for Heath's safety, and a reminder of the unpredictable nature of wilderness adventures.

[37:53] Matt: "And that's why I don't. With the woods. I don't. With camping in the middle of nowhere."

[38:05] Heath: "We want to go to Big Bear, get a cab."

[38:10] Heath: "And we're not. We're not letting that happen again. It's too, too close last time. Too close."

The hosts collectively acknowledge the gravity of Heath's experience, underscoring the importance of awareness and preparedness when venturing into isolated environments.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Heath: "[32:27] Backpacking trip that you take. This freaked me out and I just found out about it when I went home for Christmas."

• Heath: "[33:06] So this dude killed somebody and would steal their identity, like their ID and then go to another person and do the same thing along the trail or just."

• Zane: "[35:18] So on October 18, the 911 call was made, and a body is found. And then the next day, police meet Nick. In parentheses, Hamlet takes a Greyhound to South Carolina police."

• Heath: "[36:10] My hike was November 4th to the 8th, and during that time, 4th to, like, the 10th, they had spot, like, he had been, like, spotted in Knoxville it. In that trail area."

• Matt: "[36:28] That's the heat. That's."

• Heath: "[37:08] But, yeah. Insane. And I'm so, like, I wish I could go back in time to that."

Conclusion

Episode 267 of Zane and Heath: Unfiltered offers a gripping narrative of Heath's near-miss encounter with a murderer during a backpacking trip, intertwined with candid discussions and reflections from the hosts. The episode serves as a stark reminder of the unexpected dangers that can lurk in remote areas and the importance of vigilance and preparedness during outdoor adventures.

For those who haven't listened to the episode, this summary provides a comprehensive overview of the key points, discussions, and emotions conveyed by the hosts, ensuring you stay informed about Heath's intense experience and the valuable lessons drawn from it.