John "Jack" Hudson Case
The crime scene where John "Jack" Hudson was found in 2018 was a secluded area along a popular trail near Mount Evans, Colorado, approximately 60 miles west of Denver. The location was known for its scenic beauty, frequented by hikers for its challenging terrain and breathtaking views.
Hudson's body was discovered about three miles from the trailhead, in a dense section of the forest. The area was relatively isolated, with thick underbrush and towering pine trees, providing ample cover and making the crime scene difficult to spot from the main trail. His body was found lying on his back, partially obscured by foliage. There were signs of a struggle; the ground around him was disturbed, with broken branches and scuffed dirt indicating a possible confrontation.
Hudson had been stabbed multiple times in the chest and abdomen. The stab wounds were deep and precise, suggesting the assailant had used a large, sharp knife. The most disturbing detail was the branding on his chest: the initials "EL" were burned into his skin, likely with a heated metal object. The branding was recent, indicating it had been done shortly before or after Hudson's death.
Blood spatter patterns on the surrounding vegetation suggested that the attack occurred in that exact location, and there were no signs of his body being moved post-mortem. Hudson's backpack was found a few feet away, its contents scattered on the ground, but nothing appeared to be missing, ruling out robbery as a motive.
There were no other significant clues at the scene—no footprints, no discarded weapon, and no signs of any personal belongings from the perpetrator. However, a single piece of torn black fabric, possibly from a glove or jacket, was found caught on a nearby branch, potentially left behind by the killer.
The remoteness of the crime scene, combined with the lack of physical evidence and eyewitnesses, made the investigation exceedingly difficult. The branding of the initials "EL" on Hudson's chest remains one of the most puzzling aspects of the case, leading to various theories but no definitive answers.
