Suspect in Georgia Case May Have Ties to Other Cases Including the Bryant Case
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.
Don’t know why I’ve taken an interest in the Bryant’s case…beside the fact that I have hiked in the Pisgah National Forest with my Dad, he lives near there. And my Dad is 73 years old, hikes and maintains trails. I search the internet every now and then for updates, and your blog always has the most information. Thanks for continuing to follow the story!
Comment by Gail — January 16, 2008 @ 7:25 am
[...] A case we have been following over here was the disappearance and murder of John & Irene Bryant while hiking in Pisgah National Forest. The Bryant’s disappeared back in October but it took a while for authorities to discover that this was more then a missing person’s case. Authorities have tied the Bryant’s case to a serial killer, Gary Hilton, that was captured and is now convicted of killing a Georgia woman in a similar fashion. [...]
Pingback by Moose Droppings » Skeletal Remains Discovered By Hunter On Saturday Today Positively Identified As John Bryant — February 4, 2008 @ 9:46 pm