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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

(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,... Read full story »

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

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Suspect Leads Cops to Missing Hiker's Body

Alleged kidnapper eyed in three other hiker deaths

(NEWSER) - A drifter accused of kidnapping 24-year-old hiker Meredith Emerson led police to her body last night, the Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports. The body was found in a Georgia forest about 10 miles from where Emerson's bloodied clothing was discovered last week after her dog wandered into a store. Gary Michael Hilton, 61, is in jail charged with kidnapping and bodily injury in the case. The two were seen hiking together with their dogs. More»

Suspect in Ga. Hiker's Murder Denied Bail

Autopsy shows she was held captive for 3 days, bludgeoned

(NEWSER) - Gary Michael Hilton was denied bail this afternoon on murder charges in the gruesome death of 24-year-old Georgia hiker Meredith Emerson. The DA on the case says he has not decided whether to seek the death penalty, despite an agreement between Hilton and investigators to forgo it if Hilton led investigators to Emerson's body. Authorities now believe Hilton held Emerson captive for three days before bludgeoning her to death and decapitating her. More»

Hiker's Friends Remember Slain 'Angel'

Her accused killer named as suspect in three more murders

(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. More»

Hiker Possibly Still Alive When Suspect Spotted

She may have been trussed up in van at restaurant stop

(NEWSER) - Witnesses saw a "real fidgety" suspect Gary Hilton at a Georgia restaurant when kidnapped hiker Meredith Emerson was probably still alive in his van parked outside, CNN reports. The owner of a restaurant eight miles from where Emerson's decapitated body was found says Hilton came into the diner a day before police believe Emerson was killed. More»

Man Charged with Kidnapping Georgia Hiker

Police find her bloody shirts, warn that she is likely dead

(NEWSER) - Police charged 61-year old Gary Hilton with kidnapping with bodily injury today in the case of a missing Georgia hiker, the Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports. Surveillance photos showed Hilton trying to use Meredith Emerson's credit card recently at a bank; police also linked his car, which has a seatbelt cut out, to a seat belt found "with apparent blood transfer stains." More»

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Hiker Suspect Linked to Slain Couple

Man fitting description tied to elderly hikers' disappearance

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

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More Newser Stories

Suspect Leads Cops to Missing Hiker's Body

Alleged kidnapper eyed in three other hiker deaths

Suspect in Ga. Hiker's Murder Denied Bail

Autopsy shows she was held captive for 3 days, bludgeoned

Hiker's Friends Remember Slain 'Angel'

Her accused killer named as suspect in three more murders

Hiker Possibly Still Alive When Suspect Spotted

She may have been trussed up in van at restaurant stop

Man Charged with Kidnapping Georgia Hiker

Police find her bloody shirts, warn that she is likely dead

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