Drifter Leads Ga. Police to Body -- Already Faces Charges of Kidnapping Hiker

Jan 08, 04:52 PM

Authorities were also examining whether the death and the disappearance of two elderly hikers in October in North Carolina were related to the Georgia case.

Gary Michael Hilton, 61, showed officers the spot where Meredith Emerson's body lay, said John Cagle, an agent with the Georgia Bureau of Investigation's Field Division.

Residents reported seeing Hilton's van in the Dawson Forest Management Area, where the body was found, miles from where Emerson was last seen, Cagle said. A search had been planned there before Hilton told authorities where to look, he said.

The wiry, grizzled Hilton was well known in the area, often seen with his dog, Dandy, and police-style baton, Union County Sheriff Scott Stephens said. Hilton was the last person seen on the trail with Emerson, and police had gotten countless calls since identifying him as a person of interest in her disappearance, Stephens said.

Hilton, who was detained Friday, is charged with kidnapping with intent of bodily injury, and more charges could be added, Enotah Judicial Dist. Atty. Stan Gunter said.

Hilton's attorney, Neil Smith, did not enter a plea on Hilton's behalf during the 11-minute appearance before Union County Magistrate Judge Johnie Garmon.

Originally published by Associated Press .

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