At a news conference tonight, the GBI said agents were led to the body of 24-year-old Meredith Hope Emerson in the Dawson Forest Management Area by Gary Michael Hilton.
Emerson, who lived in Buford, vanished after she went hiking on New Year's Day with her dog. Witnesses told investigators in Union County that they had seen her talking with a man matching Hilton's description.
Hilton did not speak during his first appearance before Union County Magistrate Judge Johnie M. Garmon. Hilton's attorney, Neil Smith, did not enter a plea on Hilton's behalf.
At the end of the 11-minute hearing, Hilton thanked Smith, a public defender who was assigned to the case early in an attempt to encourage Hilton's cooperation with authorities to find Emerson.
Hilton is charged with kidnapping with intent of bodily injury, but District Attorney Stan Gunter said earlier that it is likely that he could face additional charges in the 24-year-old Emerson's disappearance.
Gunter said he is confident in the case against Hilton, but said his office is not ready to present the case to the Union County grand jury, which reconvenes tomorrow. Investigators said Hilton was the last person seen with Emerson on the trail.
Union County Sheriff Scott Stephens said Hilton was a drifter well-known in the area, and was often seen with his dog, Dandy, and police-style baton. Since he was identified as a person of interest in Emerson's disappearance, Stephens said his office has gotten thousands of calls from people saying they recognized his wiry frame.
Meredith Emerson
Gary Michael Hilton
http://accesswdun.com/article/2008/1/205472