Last evening Gary Hilton the suspect charged for the kidnapping and bodily injury in the Meredith. Emerson case led Georgia officials to her remains. At this point he has not been charged with her murder as the Georgia SBI continues to gather evidence in this case. There are some similarities between this case and the Irene Bryant murder case and disappearance of Jon Bryant here in Pisgah National Forest. Both women were bludgeoned and dumped in the forest ATM cards were taken.
Gary Hilton is 61 years old and described as a drifter. In his van it is believed some blood evidence has been gathered, a police style baton, and it was noted that a seat belt had been cut. Items found in a dumpster include a bloody piece of a seat belt, bloody clothing believed to belong to the victim and her purse.
In addition to the possible links to the Bryant case out of North Carolina there is a murder case in Florida that has some striking similarities as well. Cheryl Hodges Dunlap a nurse went missing in the first part of December until he body was found in the Apalachicola National Forest.
These are all horrible tragedies that these families have had to face, there is still a lot more questions then answers at this time. If these cases turn out to be linked then it could be a big break but it will take some time for investigators to see if this puzzle goes together.
We never think that when we go hiking or to a park that such a tragedy could happen to us. We all need to be mindful of our surroundings at all times and take precautions to protect ourselves and those we love. Even if these cases turn out not to be connected both the Bryant’s and Meredith. Emerson were out enjoying nature when tragedy found them.
I’ll continue to follow this story and post updates.
