Georgia News
Georgia News

Ten years later, hiker’s beheading continues to haunt investigator

Disappearance and death of hiker Meredith Emerson haunted those who work on the case.
By Rhonda Cook and Christian Boone
Jan 4, 2018

It was bitter cold in early January 2008. But despite the frigid temperature, it seemed like the entire world had come out to search Blood Mountain in North Georgia. They were looking for Meredith Emerson, who had disappeared on a New Year's Day hike with her dog Ella.

It soon became clear that something terrible had happened to the 24-year-old University of Georgia graduate. That something was serial killer Gary Michael Hilton, who had encountered Emerson on the trail and overpowered her.

Ten years later, some of those closest to the case say they remain haunted by it.

“I think about Meredith every day. Every single day,” said John Cagle, the GBI agent who led the search for Emerson and her abductor.

Learn more about the Emerson case and how it continues to resonate at MyAJC.com

About the Authors

Rhonda Cook

A native Atlantan, Boone joined the AJC staff in 2007. He quickly carved out a niche covering crime stories, assuming the public safety beat in 2014. He's covered some of the biggest trials this decade, from Hemy Neuman to Ross Harris to Chip Olsen, the latter of which was featured on Season 7 of the AJC's award-winning "Breakdown" podcast.

Follow Christian Boone on twitter
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