Entertainment
Gary Hilton: The American Serial Killer Who Terrorized the Outdoors
The Crimes of Gary Hilton
Gary Hilton, an American serial killer, gained notoriety for his brutal crimes from 2007 to 2008. Known for the murders of Cheryl Dunlap, John Bryant, Irene Bryant, and Meredith Emerson, there are suspicions that he may have killed four other individuals – Judy Smith, Jason Knapp, Rossana Miliani, and Michael Scott Lewis.
The Grim Discoveries
In 1997, officials discovered the remains of Judy Smith in Pisgah National Forest. A decade later, in 2007, the remains of Michael Scott Lewis were found in Florida's Tomoka River. Jason Knapp and Rossana Miliani went missing in 1998 and 2005, respectively. After an extensive search, officials eventually declared Knapp legally dead.
The Life of a Serial Killer
Now 77 years old, Gary Hilton resides on death row at the Union Correctional Institute in Florida. He was arrested on January 4, 2008, after murdering his final victim, Meredith Emerson.
Documenting the Horrors
Gary Hilton's chilling crimes are the subject of a Hulu documentary called "Wild Crime: Blood Mountain." Produced by ABC News Studios, the documentary was released on November 30, 2023.
The Search for Answers
The documentary explores the disappearance of experienced hiker Meredith Emerson and the subsequent search-and-rescue operation. Investigators were shocked to discover that two other missing hiker cases had ended in murder, leading them to suspect a serial killer's involvement in Meredith's case.
Unveiling the Details
In the documentary, Georgia Bureau of Investigation special agents John Cagle and Clay Bridges provide insights into Meredith Emerson's murder. They reveal that Emerson's friends were surprised by her disappearance, as she was an experienced hiker. Witnesses reported seeing Emerson with her dog and a mysterious man lurking nearby.
Bridges describes the man as being in his 50s or 60s, wearing high-end hiking gear, and carrying a police-style baton and a bayonet knife. The witness also noticed that the man had duct tape on his shoes, a puzzling detail for someone with hiking experience.
A Tragic End
On New Year's Day 2008, Gary Hilton forced Meredith Emerson to camp with him. When he failed to extort money from her, he took her life. To hide the evidence, he decapitated her body and concealed it in the jungle.
Other Victims
Aside from Meredith Emerson, Hilton's other victims include 80-year-old John Bryant and his 84-year-old wife Irene, who disappeared after a hike in Pisgah National Forest in North Carolina. Irene's bludgeoned and severed corpse was discovered two and a half weeks later, while John's skull was found near Nantahala National Forest in February 2008.
Cheryl Dunlap, another victim of Hilton, vanished on December 2, 2007. She was captured in Florida's Apalachicola National Forest, held captive for two days, and then brutally killed.
By: Debangshu Nath
Title: Gary Hilton: The American Serial Killer Who Terrorized the Outdoors
Sourced From: www.comingsoon.net/true-crime/news/1422647-blood-mountain-murders-who-were-the-alleged-victims-of-gary-hilton
Published Date: Fri, 01 Dec 2023 12:12:40 +0000
I’m Jason, and I write for ValleyNewspaper.com!
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