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Hiker's Friends Remember Slain 'Angel'

Her accused killer named as suspect in three more murders

By Rob Quinn,  Newser Staff

Posted Jan 12, 2008 8:16 AM CST
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(Newser) – 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."

In this May 2007 photo released by Pat B. Mitchell via The Atlanta Journal-Constitution on Jan. 3, 2008, Meredith Emerson is seen with her dog Ella, in Flowery Branch, Ga. (AP Photo/Courtesy of Pat B. Mitchell via The Atlanta Journal-Constitution)
In this May 2007 photo released by Pat B. Mitchell via The Atlanta Journal-Constitution on Jan. 3, 2008, Meredith Emerson is seen with her dog Ella, in Flowery Branch, Ga. (AP Photo/Courtesy of Pat B....   (Associated Press)
A woman who did not wish to identify herself arrives at a memorial service for Meredith Emerson with Emerson's dog Ella Friday, Jan. 11, 2008 in Athens, Ga. Emerson's body was found Monday near Dawsonville Ga., after she and Ella went missing during a hike New Year's Day. (AP Photo/John...
A woman who did not wish to identify herself arrives at a memorial service for Meredith Emerson with Emerson's dog Ella Friday, Jan. 11, 2008 in Athens, Ga. Emerson's body was found Monday near Dawsonville...   (Associated Press)
Rev. Robert Bohler speaks to reporters after a memorial service for Meredith Emerson Friday, Jan. 11, 2008 in Athens, Ga. Emerson's body was found Monday near Dawsonville Ga., after she and Ella went missing during a hike New Year's Day. (AP Photo/John Bazemore)
Rev. Robert Bohler speaks to reporters after a memorial service for Meredith Emerson Friday, Jan. 11, 2008 in Athens, Ga. Emerson's body was found Monday near Dawsonville Ga., after she and Ella went...   (Associated Press)
An unidentified mourner leaves a memorial service for Meredith Emerson Friday, Jan. 11, 2008 in Athens, Ga. Emerson's body was found Monday near Dawsonville Ga., after she went missing during a hike New Year's Day. (AP Photo/John Bazemore)
An unidentified mourner leaves a memorial service for Meredith Emerson Friday, Jan. 11, 2008 in Athens, Ga. Emerson's body was found Monday near Dawsonville Ga., after she went missing during a hike...   (Associated Press)
An unidentified mourner leaves a memorial service for Meredith Emerson Friday, Jan. 11, 2008 in Athens, Ga. Emerson's body was found Monday near Dawsonville Ga., after she went missing during a hike New Year's Day. (AP Photo/John Bazemore)
An unidentified mourner leaves a memorial service for Meredith Emerson Friday, Jan. 11, 2008 in Athens, Ga. Emerson's body was found Monday near Dawsonville Ga., after she went missing during a hike...   (Associated Press)
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Thousands donated to memorial fund
Longmont Times-Call

Forest killing shakes up Georgians
WXIA Atlanta

Hilton faces more charges
Atlanta Journal-Constitution

 
kidnapping • murder • Georgia • missing person • Meredith Emerson • Gary Hilton • Georgia hiker

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