The Hilton case: Encounters with a killer

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The Hilton case: Encounters with a killer

From Florida to North Carolina, many people crossed paths with Gary Michael Hilton, until the disappearance of a lone hiker in North Georgia illuminated his trail of darkness.

When her life was in danger, Meredith Emerson fought back using her strength, her wits and a large measure of courage and determination. Though her attacker, Gary Michael Hilton, eventually subdued and murdered her, Emerson did not make it easy for him, according to interviews that Hilton gave to investigators that were obtained by The Atlanta Journal Constitution.

Jack and Irene Bryant, frequent hikers, vanished last fall in North Carolina. Both were eventually found dead. Did Hilton kill them?

HIlton lived in this house on Clairmont Road in Chamblee, off and on for five years.

Face partially masked, this person is believed to have used the ATM card of Cheryl Dunlap in Florida. Ten days before Christmas, hunters found Dunlap's headless body. Hilton is a suspect in the murder.

Diane Clohessy knew Hilton as a park stranger. Then, after he became a wanted man, she spotted him cleaning his van.

Hilton forced Meredith Emerson to camp three nights in the cold, then eventually killed her. His description: "It was like an out of body experience. It was surreal... You look back on it and you say 'that wasn't even real.' "You might say it was an altered state... "It was hard," Hilton continued, reframing a brutal murder into a twisted fantasy. "You gotta remember we had spent several good days together."

Dave Emerson (center), Emerson's father, listens to the proceedings as Sharon Couch, from the Dawson County DA's office, holds his hand.

Dave Emerson cries after speaking during the hearing.

Judge Bonnie Oliver accepts Hilton's plea in the case that has shocked Georgians, spread fear among hikers, and captured national media attention.

Gary Michael Hilton (center) sits silently as Dave Emerson (far right) speaks about his slain daughter Meredith. Doug Bailey (left), a family friend, is there for support.

On Feb. 15, 2011, a Florida jury deliberated for three hours and 40 minutes before convicting Gary Michael Hilton, who did not take the stand, for killing and decapitating Cheryl Dunlap, a 46-year-old nurse and Sunday school teacher, in December 2007.

A portrait of Cheryl Dunlap is shown before being admitted into evidence in courtroom 3A on Friday, Feb. 4, 2011. Gary Michael Hilton was convicted Feb. 15 in her murder.

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When her life was in danger, Meredith Emerson fought back using her strength, her wits and a large measure of courage and determination. Though her attacker, Gary Michael Hilton, eventually subdued and murdered her, Emerson did not make it easy for him, according to interviews that Hilton gave to investigators that were obtained by The Atlanta Journal Constitution.

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