Reel Horror News Victim Spotlight: Face Slashed, Body Found at Bottom of Stairs in Shocking Murder

Counselors Face Slashed: The Brutal Murder Of Mark Jarvis

By Staff Reporter | April 13, 1984 | Local Gazette

Packanack County — A young counselor-in-training was found brutally murdered late Saturday evening on the grounds of Packanack Lodge, his body discovered at the bottom of an exterior stairway in what authorities are calling a vicious and unprovoked attack.

Mark Jarvis, 22, had volunteered along with several others to attend Paul Holt's counselor training center at the remote lakeside facility. What was meant to be a weekend of preparation for summer camp work turned into a scene of unimaginable horror.

According to investigators, Jarvis was last seen alone on the lodge's upper deck around 11:30 p.m. Approximately thirty minutes later, fellow trainees heard a disturbance and discovered his wheelchair overturned at the top of the stairs, with a trail of blood leading down to where his body lay.

"The victim sustained a catastrophic facial wound consistent with a large bladed weapon, possibly a machete or similar tool," stated Detective William Reynolds. "The nature of the attack suggests extreme violence. This was no accident."

The medical examiner confirmed that Jarvis died from the initial blow to his face before his wheelchair rolled backward down the stairs. The weapon has not been recovered, and no suspects have been identified.

"We heard something, a crash, maybe a scream, but by the time we got outside, it was too late," said one traumatized trainee who wished to remain anonymous. "There was blood everywhere. Mark never had a chance."

Friends described Jarvis as independent, determined, and excited about the opportunity to work with children. His death has sent shockwaves through the tight-knit community.

Paul Holt, director of the training program, was visibly shaken. "Mark was loved by everyone here. The thought that someone did this to him here, in what should have been a safe place, is beyond comprehension."

Authorities have expanded their search to include the surrounding woods and are urging anyone with information to come forward. The training program has been indefinitely suspended, and several trainees have already left the area, citing fear for their safety.

"We're treating this as an active homicide investigation," Detective Reynolds added. "Until we apprehend the person responsible, we're advising extreme caution for anyone in the vicinity of Packanack Lodge."

Filed under: Reel Horror News "When the blood hits the headlines."

👁️🗨️ Based on Friday the 13th Part 2