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Hiker Suspect Linked to Slain Couple

Man fitting description tied to elderly hikers' disappearance

By Wesley Oliver,  Newser Staff

Posted Jan 7, 2008 4:46 AM CST
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(Newser) – As the search for a missing Georgia hiker widens to five counties, authorities said the man accused in Meredith Emerson’s disappearance and presumed murder may be linked to the death of an elderly North Carolina couple who also disappeared while hiking. Gary Hilton, 61, has been charged with kidnapping Emerson with bodily injury and is due in court today.

"There are similarities" in the two cases and police are exchanging information, said a spokesman. A man fitting Hilton's description was seen using the couple's bank card, their son told the Atlanta Journal-Constitution—and Hilton was arrested after he used Emerson's card, according to police. “The more I learn about [Hilton], the more similarities I see," said the couple's son.

In this May 2007 photo released by Pat B. Mitchell, Meredith Emerson is seen with her dog Ella, in Flowery Branch, Ga. The 24-year-old hiker has been missing since Tuesday, Jan. 1, 2008. (AP Photo/Courtesy of Pat B. Mitchell)
In this May 2007 photo released by Pat B. Mitchell, Meredith Emerson is seen with her dog Ella, in Flowery Branch, Ga. The 24-year-old hiker has been missing since Tuesday, Jan. 1, 2008. (AP Photo/Courtesy...   (Associated Press)
In this May 2007 photo released by Pat B. Mitchell, Meredith Emerson is seen with her dog Ella, in Flowery Branch, Ga. The 24-year-old hiker has been missing since Tuesday, and police presume is she already dead. They have charged 61-year-old Gary Hilton with kidnapping with bodily injury. (AP Photo/Courtesy...
In this May 2007 photo released by Pat B. Mitchell, Meredith Emerson is seen with her dog Ella, in Flowery Branch, Ga. The 24-year-old hiker has been missing since Tuesday, and police presume is she...   (Associated Press)
In this May 2007 photo released by Pat B. Mitchell, Meredith Emerson is seen with her dog Ella, in Flowery Branch, Ga. The 24-year-old hiker has been missing since Tuesday, Jan. 1, 2008. (AP Photo/Courtesy of Pat B. Mitchell)
In this May 2007 photo released by Pat B. Mitchell, Meredith Emerson is seen with her dog Ella, in Flowery Branch, Ga. The 24-year-old hiker has been missing since Tuesday, Jan. 1, 2008. (AP Photo/Courtesy...   (Associated Press)
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Case gone 'from a search and rescue to a search and recovery'
Associated Press

Hilton tried to vacuum and bleach his car
CNN

 
Georgia • North Carolina • hiking • Meredith Emerson • Gary Hilton • Vogel State Park • Freeman Trail • Georgia hiker

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