Hiker's Friends Remember Slain 'Angel'

Hundreds of people packed a Georgia church yesterday to remember slain hiker Meredith Emerson as both a "firecracker" and an "angel," the Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports. "Her light is reflected in your eyes," said her mother, who took the podium when Meredith's nephew became overcome with emotion. The family also brought Meredith's beloved lab mix, Ella.

"I can find peace today knowing Meredith was so very loved," said her roommate. Gary Hilton, the man accused of kidnapping and killing her, remains in a Georgia prison cell and is suspected in three other murders in other states. Yesterday's service ended with photos of Meredith and her own words on life: "The highs are high. The lows are low. All in all it's a pretty sweet gig." (More Meredith Emerson stories.)