Cheryl Hodges Dunlap, 46, Crawfordville FL *merged threads*

[hoppyfrog]

From http://tallahassee.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=200771203036

3 Dec 07

The Wakulla County Sheriff’s Office is looking for a missing woman who was last seen in her Crawfordville home Saturday morning.
Cheryl Hodges Dunlap, 46, has brown hair and brown eyes. She is 5 feet 4 inches tall.

and

Her car was found abandoned on U.S. 319 just north of the Wakulla County line.

more at link

pic
http://cmsimg.tallahassee.com/apps/pbcsi.dll/bilde?Site=CD&Date=20071203&Category=BREAKINGNEWS&ArtNo=71203036&Ref=AR&MaxW=300

From http://www.wakulla.com/Announcements/Community_Service/Missing_Person:__Cheryl_Dunlap_200712034325/

Ms. Cheryl Hodges Dunlap, a 46 year old white female, is missing from her home in Crawfordville. She has brown hair and brown eyes. She is 5 feet 4 inches tall. She was last seen at her home this past Saturday morning, December 1, 2007 at 9:00 a.m. She did not show up this past Sunday, December 2, 2007 to teach her Sunday School Class. Additionally, she did not show up for her job with the State on Monday morning, December 3, 2007.

more at link

[Kym1968]

Wakulla woman still missing:

http://www.tallahassee.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20071205/NEWS01/712050345/-1/BREAKINGNEWS


CRAWFORDVILLE — The search is still on for a 46-year-old Wakulla County woman who has been missing since the weekend. Investigators are disclosing few details. Meanwhile, Cheryl Hodges Dunlap's friends and fellow church members are worried about the woman they describe as dependable, faithful and cautious.
Dunlap was last seen about 9 a.m. Saturday in her Crawfordville home, according to Maj. Maurice Langston, spokesman for the Wakulla County Sheriff's Office — which Tuesday handed the case over to the Leon County Sheriff's Office. He did not say where that information came from.

Her car, which friends described Tuesday as a Toyota Camry, was found Monday on the shoulder of U.S. Highway 319. It was parked on the southbound shoulder just before the Wakulla County line. It had one flat tire.
Friends say the car had been spotted on the side of the road as early as Saturday. The car's flat tire was the "only abnormality we noticed," Langston said.
(more at the link)

[Kym1968]

Authorities Ask For Help in Locating Missing Woman
http://www.wtxl.tv/Global/story.asp?S=7443874&nav=menu594_2

Investigators are asking for your help in locating a Wakulla County Sunday school teacher missing since Saturday.
Wakulla County Deputies say 46 year old Cheryl Dunlap was last seen at her Crawfordville home at around 9 a.m. Saturday.
Deputies say they've already had a lot of calls from residents, but they're asking for even more information on the case.
Deputies found Cheryl Dunlap's car off Highway 319 yesterday near the border between Leon and Wakulla counties.
"We did find out that the automobile had a flat tire, so it may have been that she had some vehicle trouble and was trying to get some assistance," said Major Morris Langston of the Wakulla County Sheriff's Office, we're not sure what happened after that point."
Deputies say they found no signs of a struggle in the car.
(More at link)........

[bykerladi]

Still searching...

http://www.tallahassee.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20071209/NEWS01/712090329

[Kym1968]

Sheriff’s deputies said today that they suspect foul play in the disappearance of a Wakulla County woman and released a vague description of a man that used her ATM card.

Investigators also released information about a “vehicle of interest.”

Maj. Mike Wood of the Leon County Sheriff’s Office said Cheryl Hodges Dunlap’s ATM card was used at an undisclosed location on W. Tennessee Street Dec. 2, Dec. 3 and Dec. 4.

Dunlap has been missing since Dec. 1. Her car, which had one flat tire, was found two days later on the shoulder of U.S. Highway 319.

The man who used the card was fully covered in a long-sleeve shirt, gloves and some type of mask, Wood said. He also wore a knit cap and goggles, Wood said.

Wood did not say how much money was taken out of Dunlap’s account, but the man used her pin number, he said.

The vehicle of interest is a black Dodge Ram pickup with an extended cab. Witnesses said the truck was seen near Dunlap’s abandoned vehicle between 5 and 6 p.m. Dec. 1.

For more information, please check back with Tallahassee.com.
More at link.....
(PHOTOS OF MAN AT LINK)
http://www.tallahassee.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=200771211012

[reb]

oh no... not good at all. we can see where this is going.
ladies.... for god's sake.. keep your tires NEW and inflated.... keep your car running in tip-top shape with a TRUSTWORTHY mechanic who won't lie to you, rip you off, and screw you over. get triple A.. keep your cell phone fully charged at ALL times with a car charger. don't waste your battery (and, your attention!) gabbing away about nothing important while in the car. be careful driving in remote places. too many crazy, murderous MEN out there these days.
not to say she wasn't doing all these things... but it's a good reminder. sleazy mechanics are the worst scum on the face of the earth.. they will rip off a lady in a second.. and they don't give a d*mn that for us especially can be a life-or-death issue.
not to go off on a tangent here.. but this just reminds me of how vulnerable we are out there. being in your car is a false sense of security.

[LittleRNB]

oh no... not good at all. we can see where this is going.
ladies.... for god's sake.. keep your tires NEW and inflated.... keep your car running in tip-top shape with a TRUSTWORTHY mechanic who won't lie to you, rip you off, and screw you over. get triple A.. keep your cell phone fully charged at ALL times with a car charger. don't waste your battery (and, your attention!) gabbing away about nothing important while in the car. be careful driving in remote places. too many crazy, murderous MEN out there these days.
not to say she wasn't doing all these things... but it's a good reminder. sleazy mechanics are the worst scum on the face of the earth.. they will rip off a lady in a second.. and they don't give a d*mn that for us especially can be a life-or-death issue.
not to go off on a tangent here.. but this just reminds me of how vulnerable we are out there. being in your car is a false sense of security.

EXCELLENT advice, now let's all listen and do! :)

[Kym1968]

Great Advice!! This story caught my eye quick! I live like 25 minutes from Crawfordville and I hope they catch this guy soon!!!!! I will keep checking for updates!

[cdt0283]

I live closeby. We still have the unsolved Ali Gilmore case and now this. I'm wondering if it is a coincidence that the ATM card was used close to the FSU campus where Cheryl worked. Could this possibly be a student? He looks younger but its really impossible to tell with that disguise. I hope someone recognizes him by the clothes he's wearing. One thing is for sure, someone has seen something. I'll be looking for the truck.

[Kym1968]

Deputies have 'serious' concerns for woman's safety

Leon County sheriff’s investigators are searching for a man who used an ATM card belonging to Cheryl Hodges Dunlap on three consecutive days after she disappeared Dec. 1.

They’re also looking for the owner of a black Dodge Ram pickup with an extended cab. Witnesses said the truck was seen near the Wakulla County woman’s abandoned white Toyota Camry between 5 and 6 p.m. on Dec. 1.

Investigators are trying to link the man and the truck to Dunlap’s whereabouts.

“We have serious concerns for her safety and welfare,” said Maj. Mike Wood of the Leon County Sheriff’s Office.

Wood said Tuesday that Dunlap’s ATM card was used at an undisclosed location on West Tennessee Street on Dec. 2, 3 and 4. The first two transactions were made about 9:30 p.m.; the last one, about 7 a.m.

Investigators said they delayed releasing this information so they could conduct surveillance of the ATM for one week, but after the third transaction the man didn’t return.

The tall, thin man who used the card was fully covered in a long-sleeve shirt, gloves and some type of mask, Wood said. He also wore a knit cap and goggles every time.

“The video is not very telling,” Wood said. “The person that used it went to great lengths to disguise himself.”

“It’s frustrating that he’s so well covered,” said Tanya Land, Dunlap’s neighbor.

Wood said the man used Dunlap’s PIN number to access the money. He would not say how much was withdrawn, only that Dunlap’s account was not depleted.

Dunlap, 46, is 5-foot-4 with brown hair and brown eyes. She was last seen at her Crawfordville home Dec. 1. She didn’t show up for church the next day. She was reported missing that Monday when she didn’t show up for work at the Thagard Student Health Center at Florida State University.

Her car was discovered Dec. 3 on the south shoulder of U.S. Highway 319. It had one flat tire. Investigators have not released any more information on the car or its contents.

“We are really dependent on the community’s input,” Wood said.

Dunlap’s disappearance has distressed her close friends and has captured the attention of many in Wakulla County. About 180 people turned out Saturday to search a wooded area near where her car was found.

“We are very hopeful and continue to be,” said Lori White, a friend of Dunlap’s, who is pastor of education at River of Life Church in Crawfordville.

“It just absolutely perplexes me,” Land said. “It is so unfathomable to us that this is happening to Cheryl, of all people. We are just astounded by this whole thing.”

“We want it resolved soon,” White said.

Anyone with information is asked to call the Violent Crimes Unit at 922-3418; Crime Stoppers at 574-TIPS; or Wakulla Sheriff’s Capt. Randall Taylor or Investigator Scott DelBeato at 926-0800.
(More at Link)......
http://www.tallahassee.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=200771211012

---------------------------------------
I live on the Island about 40 minutes from Crawfordville, and I feel that it is possible a college student could be involved in this too. It is hard to tell by the ATM pics, unless someone recognizes the clothing and vehicle description! Let's hope that someone comes forward very soon!! This is definatly to close to home!!

[reb]

why is this now listed under "located"....?

[FLMom]

why is this now listed under "located"....?

I'm not sure reb. . . I'm still seeing it under missing/located forum discussion.

kym and cdt, glad you're here. What I'm about to say is a completely "for what it's worth" and "take it or leave it, it's OK" post. I've been a dull psychic for years now. It's really frustrating to try to focus and can't, but then things come to you when you least expect or want it. I really hope no one thinks I'm a kook. . . I'm really not, but here goes.

This morning I dropped my daughter off at the high school on Hwy 98. I've been fighting a headache and eyestrain for a week now. I was woolgathering on the way down 319 north thinking about Cheryl. I was sitting at the stoplight at the courthouse and **PING**. . . all of the sudden no headache and perfect vision for the first time in DAYS. I perked up my radar and said a short prayer. I think I even said "wow" aloud. I'm not a big prayer person, but I felt like I HAD to.

There's a big sign now on 319 about Cheryl at the exact spot she disappeared. I drove a little past it and pulled into the state park there, the Leon Sinks. The following is what I got, again "take it or leave it":

She felt something was wrong with her car. . . all of the sudden it wasn't driving quite right. She intended to go to Glenda's, the little BP on the side of the road. Next I see her talking to someone, and it's a friendly conversation. The guy is grinning, charming and helpful. It's one of those friend three times removed kind of people. I feel like she knew his "kin".

Someone else that she knows loosely pulled out of the Leon Sinks that afternoon. This person slows down as he goes by her, and sees that someone is with her and keeps driving. He's not coming forward now as he's got some legal issues himself. I think the key is going to be when he does finally come forward, because while he doesn't know this guy particularly, he does know "of" him and recognizes him.

I get the feeling that she is a very book smart person, but not street smart. She feels embarassment/shame at what happens next. That's blocked for me, and it's just as well because I don't want to know.

The next thing I see is a yellow house that's badly in need of painting. There's a concrete slab foundation to it. I can see yellow paint feathering, and the pea green color of algae that has built up. There's a floodlight I can see at the front of the house. At the angle that I'm seeing this, you'd have to be laying on the ground looking up at the house.

The other thing is that there is some kind of connection to Hwy. 20 and the back roads of it, near the lakes and sand pits.


I hope like ya'll just don't know that she's on a beach somewhere sipping a drink. I hope that I'm wrong and this whole post is cause for much eye-rolling later. There's nothing new that I could find in the Tallahassee Democrat this morning. I really hope that she doesn't fall off of the news radar.

[Kym1968]

Thanks FLMom! I actually live on the St.George Island. I haven't heard anything lately RE: Cheryl Dunlap. I'll keep looking though! I hope that she is found soon--Alive and well!!!

[cdt0283]

What do you all think the disguise is in the ATM video? It looks like a mask a painter or construction worker would wear. That would also explain gloves. It is very strange that he would use the same ATM three days in a row, that doesn't make much sense. I have a feeling someone is going to provide a tip in the next few days that leads to the man in the video.

[Kym1968]

cdt, I don't know what that mask is? It definatly looks strange! It looks like there are rows of tape over the nose. I agree--somebody has to recognize the clothing, unless that too was a disguise!? The ATM is close to FSU, so it could be a student? Any new news?

[Kym1968]

http://www.wctv.tv/home/headlines/12487391.html

World Renowned Search Team May Assist in Dunlap Search:

Family and friends of Cheryl Dunlap are enlisting professional help now to try to find the missing Wakulla County woman. It's a search team all the way from Texas.
A missing sign for 46-year-old Cheryl Dunlap still sits off Highway 319 near the
Leon-Wakulla County line. Her white Toyota Camry was found there December 3, but even after a search of about 200 people on December 8, Dunlap could not be found.

Her friends and family are calling on The Texas EquuSearch Mounted Search and Recovery Team to help.
Brent Thurmond, a close friend of Cheryl Dunlap, said "I would certainly be very supportive of any resources in the State of Florida or even from Texas coming in to try to help do everything we possibly can do to find Cheryl."
EquuSearch was started in 2000 to provide volunteer search and recovery for lost and missing persons. Members of the Texas-based organization of 350-plus members are currently still in Aruba working on the Natalee Holloway case.
Holloway is the Alabama 18-year-old who disappeared on a graduation trip in Aruba May 30, 2005. Dunlap was last seen Saturday, December 1.
Tallahassee resident Logan Fish said, "It's terrible, right out there at Crawfordville, somebody just commuting from Wakulla and to our university and being taken from this area."
While Dunlap's loved ones await the professionals, they are depending on the community to help recognize and catch this man who was caught on film at a West Tennessee Street ATM. The Leon County Sheriff's Office says he used Dunlap's ATM card three days straight after she went missing.
An EquuSearch representative said that they do plan to take the case but they want to clear everything with local law enforcement first.

[FLMom]

That is awesome news!! Thanks for finding it!! Tim Miller and his crew have done so much good for so many people. Maybe we'll get some answers now. . . I don't see LE refusing their help.

[cdt0283]

Haven't heard anything more about Dunlap except the search team from Texas possibly coming here. It looks like Hancock Bank on Tennessee St. but its hard to tell for sure. I find it hard to beleive someone doesn't recognize the man in that picture. Why do think he didn't go to different ATMs instead of going to that single one? Maybe he was familiar with that bank; close to his home etc. It makes me think he was comfortable with the area and didn't feel like he'd be cause or suspicious. I'm beginning to believe it is a local person thats involved. Possibly someone she met through work at FSU. I may be completely wrong. Maybe just a crime of opportunity.

[cdt0283]

Woman's body found in Apalachicola National Forest

http://tallahassee.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20071215/BREAKINGNEWS/71215016

He described the woman’s race as white, but he couldn’t say what clothes she was wearing or whether there were any objects found near her body.

Investigators have notified the family of missing Wakulla woman Cheryl Hodges Dunlap about the body. But they don't know whether the body is Dunlap's.

[Kym1968]

Thanks for the update! We hope & pray it is not Cheryl!

[FLMom]

So sad. I hope it's not her. There are a few others missing in the area.

ETA link from WCTV. There isn't much to the video, but it looks like she was found near the intersection of Hwy 267 (Bloxham Cutoff) and Hwy. 20.

http://www.wctv.tv/home/headlines/12535691.html

[reb]

oh no, it's probably her.. i was expecting this unfortunately.

[LittleRNB]

I just looked at the ATM footage from Dec 3. I wonder what the heck would have happened if someone pulled up to use this ATM and saw that terrible-looking get up that this guy was wearing. That was SUPER creepy. I hope they will keep her acct active and try to get more pictures of this person.

[cdt0283]

On other forums I've heard some disturbing speculation regarding the condition of the unidentified body they found. I'm not going to comment on it until law enforcement confirms it or not. But as of Sunday night they still have not ID'd the body. What a tragedy no matter who it is.

[cdt0283]

I just looked at the ATM footage from Dec 3. I wonder what the heck would have happened if someone pulled up to use this ATM and saw that terrible-looking get up that this guy was wearing. That was SUPER creepy. I hope they will keep her acct active and try to get more pictures of this person.


Yes, LittleRNB, that surveillance video is very creepy. He went to great lengths to hide his identity. I still find it strange that he used the same ATM three days in a row. It makes me think he lives in the area and knew law enforcement was not on to him or hadn't been to the bank. Somehow he knew when it was safe to withdraw cash.

[LittleRNB]

Yes, LittleRNB, that surveillance video is very creepy. He went to great lengths to hide his identity. I still find it strange that he used the same ATM three days in a row. It makes me think he lives in the area and knew law enforcement was not on to him or hadn't been to the bank. Somehow he knew when it was safe to withdraw cash.

Good point, cdt, about his brazen use of the ATMs. I'm not sure what you read about on other forums, but it doesn't sound good at all. When you think about the masterful way this guy managed the ATM transactions, it makes me think 2 things: 1. He is capable of very creepy, but "smart" actions. 2. He has done something like this before. (hence, he became good at it).

History would have been different if someone would have driven up to use that ATM. I sure would be alarmed if I drove up an witnessed a person looking like that man. From the pics I saw, it looked like a remote area. I don't remember reading if there was a description of the area where the ATM was located.

Hopefully there will be an announcement today from LE.

[LittleRNB]

I researched a little more about where the ATM is located. Wow. I didn't realize he used an ATM on Tennessee St! The ATM card was used at 930 pm on two dates and then 730am on the final day. I guess he then figured that he was pushing his luck or, as cdt mentioned, he "knew" when he was going to be on the radar. What a huge coincidence or he figured that when the bank opened to hand over the footage on Monday am, he better stop.
I can't even look at the pictures of his face at the ATM. I read that he was described as wearing a mask, but his lips are so pronounced in the picture, it almost looks as if he has some kind of masking tape on his face.

[Kym1968]

Update: Officials say little about body found in forest


An autopsy has been done on a woman’s body found Saturday in the Apalachicola National Forest, but Leon County Sheriff’s investigators are saying little else.
“The process won’t be complete for a long time,” Maj. Mike Wood said Monday afternoon. The body was actually examined Sunday, he said.
“We are doing everything possible that can be done,” LCSO spokesman Rob Reisinger said. “This is a very tedious, time- intensive, labor-intensive process.”

Neither Wood nor Reisinger would elaborate on what’s next in the autopsy process.
Reisinger did say that investigators have not verified whether or not the body is that of Cheryl Hodges Dunlap, a 46-year-old Crawfordville woman who has been missing since Dec. 1. Her disappearance has been a major concern for close friends in Leon and Wakulla counties.

Dunlap worked as a nurse at Florida State University. Her white Toyota Camry was found two days later with a flat tire on the south shoulder of U.S. 319 in Leon County. Wood announced last week that investigators were searching for a man who used her ATM card on three consective days following her disappearance at a West Tennessee Street location.

“It is too early to determine who the person is and the cause of death,” Reisinger said. “We have more questions than we have answers.”

He also said that it was too early to determine how long the body had been there.
There was evidence that the body was decomposing, Wood said.

Hunters called 911 Saturday after discovering the body about 11 a.m. on a forest road near Bloxham Cutoff Road in southern Leon County.

Anyone with information on Saturday’s discovery or information on Dunlap is asked to call the Leon County Sheriff’s Office at 922-3300.

[cdt0283]

Very strange that LE hasn't said if the body is that of Dunlap. It begs the question, do they know yet? Or are they waiting on DNA, which can take weeks.

[Kym1968]

LCSO: Autopsy process lengthy
Investigators have not determined if the body found is missing woman:

An autopsy has been performed on the body of a woman found Saturday, but the Leon County Sheriff's Office isn't saying what was learned from the exam.
"The process won't be complete for a long time," Maj. Mike Wood said Monday afternoon. The body was examined Sunday, he said.

More at link:
http://tallahassee.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20071218/NEWS01/712180319/1010

[GlitchWizard]

www.tdo.com (http://www.tdo.com)

They've identified a local missing woman's body near my house. No head, no hands. I saw the sign near the road I live on, and until yesterday didn't realize the sign was at the location that her car was found. Her torso was found in the woods I hike in.

The message boards on the website are lit up with rumor and speculation, everything from satanic worshipers to serial killers operating in the Georgia, Florida and Alabama area.

We are still missing Ali Gilmore from this area, 2 years ago - was pregnant. This new woman was living a bit further south, most likely unrelated, and had only been missing two weeks.

The last time my car broke down, it was on the opposite side of the road from this woman's car, but only a few hundred feet different from that where her's was found with a flat tire.

[bnhall]

Holy crap that's scary! Be careful and keep an eye out!

[cdt0283]

www.tdo.com (http://www.tdo.com)

They've identified a local missing woman's body near my house. No head, no hands. I saw the sign near the road I live on, and until yesterday didn't realize the sign was at the location that her car was found. Her torso was found in the woods I hike in.

The message boards on the website are lit up with rumor and speculation, everything from satanic worshipers to serial killers operating in the Georgia, Florida and Alabama area.

We are still missing Ali Gilmore from this area, 2 years ago - was pregnant. This new woman was living a bit further south, most likely unrelated, and had only been missing two weeks.

The last time my car broke down, it was on the opposite side of the road from this woman's car, but only a few hundred feet different from that where her's was found with a flat tire.


This is all speculation at this point. I'm not discounting it but I think we should wait for confirmation from law enforcement before saying the identity of the body has been confirmed. LE has not said yet whether this is Dunlap. I've heard all the rumors as well and I think its best to wait from LE about the condition of the body etc.

[Kym1968]

Missing woman update:

No new information was released Tuesday in the case of missing Crawfordville woman Cheryl Hodges Dunlap, An autopsy has been performed on the body of a woman found Saturday in the woods near Bloxham Cutoff Road, but the Leon County Sheriff's Office isn't discussing the results. Investigators have not determined if the body is that of Dunlap, who went missing Dec. 1. Anyone with information on Saturday's discovery or information on Dunlap is asked to call the Leon County Sheriff's Office at 922-3300, or Crime Stoppers at 574-TIPS (8477) or (888) 876-TIPS (8477).

http://tallahassee.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20071219/NEWS01/712190359/1010/NEWS01

[GlitchWizard]

My daughter is not in school today (excused absence) but refuses to stay home, even with her brand new puppy, because she's afraid of a serial killer on the loose. I hope this gets wrapped up soon.

[concernedperson]

Body found has been ID'd as Cheryl Dunlap.

http://www.tallahassee.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20071219/BREAKINGNEWS/71219015

[jodierenee]

Prayers for her friends and family. Let's hope LE can catch the sick SOB.

[Taximom]

Glitch, do you mean a different body has been found by your home than the one they just id'd as Cheryl's?

[GlitchWizard]

Glitch, do you mean a different body has been found by your home than the one they just id'd as Cheryl's?

Not recently, but the woods in this area aren't an uncommon body dump site.

The paper now says they're bringing in the big FBI guys - the ones who do the (can't think of the term) typing. The ones who say the race, age and probable characteristics of the perpetrator.

The biggest hinderance to information we have around here is specuation. A majority of what is leaking out has been found to be true (for example the police finally contend that the perp went through extensive measures to hide the identity of the body... when everyone already "knew" second hand that she was minus her hands and head.)
But there are also emails and other stories that are purposefully made up and causing Law Enforcement to take time to deal with the made up rumors.

So many are cutting down our law enforcement and trying to discredit them. All I can think of is thank GOD they have to deal with this and I do not. It's a thankless job for sure.

The poor family.

[FLMom]

Yeah, no joke about the speculation around here. The hunter that found the body of Cheryl told a friend and then that person told a friend. . . just awful. All you have to do is read the forums at the Tallahassee Democrat to see what I'm talking about. . . I won't repeat it here.

People are freaked because of the speculation. I was severely torqued off yesterday about it. My oldest told me that the teachers at the local schools are telling some of the kids all of these gory details! Teenage hysteria is wild and rampant at the high school. I know it's going to be a topic of conversation, but damn people! Telling high school kids that a serial killer is loose. . . WTF?!

ETA: Saw ya over at the forum too, Glitch! Get em girl!

[FLMom]

Sorry to double post.

I tried to read the forum over at the Democrat on the latest article, and could only get through about half of it until I had to close the window. The bickering is just ridiculous. They're trying to connect every suspicious death here in the area in the last six months to this "serial killer". They're even speculating about cases where LE already has suspects in mind. Good Lawd.

I think as far as serial killers go, we had our quota filled when Ted passed through FSU many years ago. What keeps going through my head is an old vet medicine saying--"If it looks like a horse, sounds like a horse and smells lke a horse, it's a horse---not a zebra. So don't go looking for zebras." This whole serial killer thing sounds like a bunch of hooey, and it's scaring the crap out of our kids.

[concernedperson]

Not recently, but the woods in this area aren't an uncommon body dump site.

The paper now says they're bringing in the big FBI guys - the ones who do the (can't think of the term) typing. The ones who say the race, age and probable characteristics of the perpetrator.

The biggest hinderance to information we have around here is specuation. A majority of what is leaking out has been found to be true (for example the police finally contend that the perp went through extensive measures to hide the identity of the body... when everyone already "knew" second hand that she was minus her hands and head.)
But there are also emails and other stories that are purposefully made up and causing Law Enforcement to take time to deal with the made up rumors.

So many are cutting down our law enforcement and trying to discredit them. All I can think of is thank GOD they have to deal with this and I do not. It's a thankless job for sure.

The poor family.

I think they are bringing in FBI Profilers as they believe they have an unusual situation there. It is uncommon to dismember and some serial killers like to have trophies, others don't. Not saying it is a serial killer but that is a possibility. It also seems she was a victim of circumstance vs. being stalked.

In other words this perp may have been traveling through town and not local at all. But, I still wouldn't let my guard down.

[GlitchWizard]

I think they are bringing in FBI Profilers as they believe they have an unusual situation there. It is uncommon to dismember and some serial killers like to have trophies, others don't. Not saying it is a serial killer but that is a possibility. It also seems she was a victim of circumstance vs. being stalked.

In other words this perp may have been traveling through town and not local at all. But, I still wouldn't let my guard down.

My daughter and I discovered that leaving your guard UP has consequences, too. Last night we went down CJ Spears Road (a stone's throw from where the car was found) and after just seeing the sign of this woman's face and knowing we were between where her car was and where she was found... we were on EDGE. Anyway, at the side of the road partially in the woods were two heavy duty plastic things - a sheet of heavy duty clear plastic and a construction type black bag - both around an object the turkey vulchures were picking on. All I could see was a ribcage with bright red meat on it.

I pulled over. My daughter turned away and nearly vomited. I was not wanting to go look, but I could only remember all the plastic bags from CSI and other tv shows, and that hunters leave carcasses out in the open, not wrap them up... I thought for sure it was a body dump of another person.

It was a deer. It had much missing, completely skinned and I assume it's head is about to be over a fireplace and it's two front feet will be a gun rack eventually.

I have NEVER seen this in a bag, and my daughter is all up in the hype and thinks someone did this as a cruel joke. I talked to a hunter friend and he said "Yeah, the guy didn't want the deer carcass to bleed in his car." Makes sense to me NOW. Didn't THEN.

Anyway, for those of you in my neck of the woods:
The Wakulla County Sheriff's Office is hosting a firearms and personal-safety course for women. The event, which includes firearms practice, starts at 8 a.m. Saturday at the Sheriff's Office, 15 Oak St., Crawfordville. The cost is $10. For more information, call Sgt. Fred Nichols at (850) 251-1676.

You can meet both me and my daughter there. He knows Donna is 15, and did not turn her away, so it isn't just adult women allowed. We will be there.

[reb]

i feel like it's not a serial killer, but just some scum drug addict or dealer who needed some quick cash and took advantage of an innocent woman.
they dismembered her because they did not want to get caught and they have probably done it before. why else would the guy go straight to the ATM with her card? (assuming it's the same person). most serial killers don't do it for the money.

[concernedperson]

i feel like it's not a serial killer, but just some scum drug addict or dealer who needed some quick cash and took advantage of an innocent woman.
they dismembered her because they did not want to get caught and they have probably done it before. why else would the guy go straight to the ATM with her card? (assuming it's the same person). most serial killers don't do it for the money.

This is so true they don't do it for money. But, times are hard. The ATM visits were on a weekend. Could have dismembered her for added time in not recognizing the body or not. She was going to be identified so why do this?

All I am saying is that the Baton Rouge serial killings went on for a long time after patterns were identified and the public was not notified. Granted panic is not a good thing but recognizing certain behaviors or targets is very tangible in eliminating victims.

The other thing is that profilers need to give leeway into serial killers. They will strike a different pattern if it suits them. Way to many cases to name right now but it happens.

People need to be aware of what is going on in their areas and to act to protect themselves. Yes, it is random but the more knowledge you have the better it is for your overall protection.

[concernedperson]

Investigators are looking for the owner of this "unique looking" green truck. Pic at link as well as other info in article.

http://www.tallahassee.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20071221/NEWS01/712210336

[ipswitch]

More Information Made Public in Wakulla Woman's Murder

..snip... Sunday afternoon, investigators said they've added another vehicle to their search for clues. They say the so-called "camo" truck may not be a "camo" color at-all.

more at link..

http://www.wjhg.com/home/headlines/12804997.html

[concernedperson]

More Information Made Public in Wakulla Woman's Murder

..snip... Sunday afternoon, investigators said they've added another vehicle to their search for clues. They say the so-called "camo" truck may not be a "camo" color at-all.

more at link..

http://www.wjhg.com/home/headlines/12804997.html

Thanks for the info. So, it seems that black extended cab is still the one to search for in the area or surrounds.

[LittleRNB]

A computer generated wrap? The person of interest is not only a pro at disguising himself, but his truck as well! How lovely.
Are there any new details circulaiting around Fl.?

[cdt0283]

Law Enforcement isn't saying anything new at this point. Apparently the Leon County Sheriff's Dept, Wakulla County SD, FSU PD, Florida Depart. LE, and the FBI are envolved in the case.

I think the number 1 lead right now is the "camouflage" truck. I think if this story went national someone would recognize that truck. Please if anyone has any way of getting national news stations interested in this story please do so.

[FLMom]

Unfortunately during cold weather season here, there are more than a few trucks that have camo.

Case in point: I showed my kiddos the pic, and I said, "Gee, that looks like the truck we saw when I was picking you up from school two weeks ago. . remember we commented on it?". This is IN Crawfordville. The next day we were talking about it while I was driving them home from school and the uniqueness faded. . . I saw three trucks with camo that day.

I hope that they aren't pinning all of their hopes on that truck. Not trying to stereotype Wakulla County, but it is "country living" and heading out to a management area to hunt for a weekend is a pretty regular thing. Camo is not a rarity.

[LittleRNB]

The truck would be easily ID, but not if that camoflauge is a wrap like ipswitch posted. Let's hope the killer was careless in some way so that LE and FBI can get to him quickly!

[MCDRAW]

If he knows to disguise both himself and his truck...this wasn't his first time. I wonder how many other victims there are.

[MCDRAW]

I wonder where you would get a wrap like that for a truck. I wonder if the wraps can be traced.

[FLMom]

I wonder where you would get a wrap like that for a truck. I wonder if the wraps can be traced.

Here are a few companies that have wraps:

http://www.huntersfriend.com/camo-truck-wrap/camoclad-full-truck-camo-wrap-kit.htm
(I liked this page because it went into a good explanation about the wrap process and what it is.)

http://www.camo4u.com/

http://www.trailmasteroutdoors.com/products/index.php?type=65

http://www.camomyride.com/

http://www.mackspw.com/Item--i-CMW280S

[FLMom]

Sheriff discusses Dunlap case


Leon County Sheriff Larry Campbell said investigators have released all the information they can in the Cheryl Dunlap homicide without compromising the investigation.
In a Direct Access interview with the Tallahassee Democrat , Campbell said some citizens are trying to act as detectives in the case and are asking for crime-scene photos and other information.

http://www.tallahassee.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080103/NEWS01/801030327/1010


I can't even fully comment on this. Why release details in hope of the public's help, then berate those wanting to help? Press release of man at ATM and truck photos, anyone? :doh:

[GlitchWizard]

Is it just me, or is everyone in this area peering into any disabled car at the side of the road as they drive past?

Two nights ago, I turned left on CJ Spears road (a few hundred yards past where her car was found) and saw Firetrucks, Highway Patrol SUVs (Did not notice if they were K9 units, but they were out of jurisdiction) and a Leutenent with the Wakulla County police department as well as an ambulance that was not being used. There was a black pick up truck (not the one they are looking for) with a guy in it and a boy in it who was vomiting (according to my daughter) but no one was attending to either the man or the boy, the truck wasn't wrecked or being attended to. The law men were in the woods.

Okay, this is on the road to my house. Like, walking distance. It wasn't in the paper... but it wasn't an accident and then an hour later or so, driving back past, the suv's were still there and the truck was - but everything else was gone.

I need more guns. More guns.

Heck, a petty burglar, a peeping Tom, or just some dude crossing in someone's yard is going to be obliterated by the gun happy women who are scared around here before this is over.

Does ANYONE know what happened on CJ Spears road?

Everytime I see birds circling now near the woods I no longer think "Ah, must be road kill." *shudder*

[caltalgal]

I just read at CNN that Leon County will be talking to Georgia officials also because that hiker's body they found was decapitated. Sounds like it might be the killer....

[FLMom]

Does ANYONE know what happened on CJ Spears road?

Everytime I see birds circling now near the woods I no longer think "Ah, must be road kill." *shudder*

Hey Glitch! You're right about peering into cars. . . the tension is like piano wire.

I think I know what happened. Someone dumped some deer carcasses in the woods, and some kids came up on them and freaked. Only way I know this is I was going through my phone and reading my daugher's text messages and it was mentioned. Didn't know about all of the emergency units being called out, though. Poor kid was probably puking from what he thought he saw.

[GlitchWizard]

Hey Glitch! You're right about peering into cars. . . the tension is like piano wire.

I think I know what happened. Someone dumped some deer carcasses in the woods, and some kids came up on them and freaked. Only way I know this is I was going through my phone and reading my daugher's text messages and it was mentioned. Didn't know about all of the emergency units being called out, though. Poor kid was probably puking from what he thought he saw.

I did see the deer carcasses. One was in plastic - like the kind you see on CSI or other shows. I got out to investigate and my kid nearly puked. I didn't report it because it was a deer. When I first only saw ribs, I can see how someone would mistake it! The other two deer carcasses I saw had the skin on them and were clearly deer.

Wouldn't LE have left shortly after determining it was a deer, though? They were there a LONG time. No crime scene tape ever went up though.

Creepy.

I believe they are looking at the hiker killer as Cheryl's killer, but I don't think he is the one. No inside knowledge, just that serials usually admit to most everything once they open the floodgates of admitting stuff.

[concernedperson]

I wouldn't rule out Hilton as Cheryl's killer just yet. Serials do lie or tell the truth when it benefits. He told the truth about Meredith's body to avoid the DP but if other cases come into play he could still be charged in other jurisdictions and prosecutors could seek the death penalty. So, I don't think he will be singing any songs of other bodies/murders. It is going to take good investigations to find out.

[SeriouslySearching]

Sheriff discusses Dunlap case


Leon County Sheriff Larry Campbell said investigators have released all the information they can in the Cheryl Dunlap homicide without compromising the investigation.
In a Direct Access interview with the Tallahassee Democrat , Campbell said some citizens are trying to act as detectives in the case and are asking for crime-scene photos and other information.

http://www.tallahassee.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080103/NEWS01/801030327/1010


I can't even fully comment on this. Why release details in hope of the public's help, then berate those wanting to help? Press release of man at ATM and truck photos, anyone? :doh:Alright! Who from WS has been calling them?! LOL

According to the article, they were still looking for both trucks when I read that a businessman came forward with a truck matching one of those descriptions.

[caltalgal]

CNN has a picture of Hilton, and it's creepy....if you compare it to the picture taken at the ATM on Tennessee Street, it looks possible that it's the guy...
I wonder if they will find some evidence with him to tie him to Tallahassee...

[SeriouslySearching]

I believe they are looking at the hiker killer as Cheryl's killer, but I don't think he is the one. No inside knowledge, just that serials usually admit to most everything once they open the floodgates of admitting stuff.I think I have to disagree that serial killers usually admit to everything after admitting to one. I also believe there is a good chance Hilton could be involved with her case because of the use of the ATM. This seems to be part of his MO.

[Pharlap]

Alright! Who from WS has been calling them?! LOL

According to the article, they were still looking for both trucks when I read that a businessman came forward with a truck matching one of those descriptions.


They don't want ppl to have a good time working on this case...:waitasec::bang:
Think JMO, citizens might have more feelings then these official investigators.
If it wasn't for tips from citizens a lot of cases wouldn't get solved..

[MeoW333]

In cases of serial killers, most do seem to admit to everything. Then there are those who admit to everything that is already known and hold some back in order to get a day pass out of prison to go on "field trips" with LE to try and pinpoint where the bodies are located.

[chicoliving]

Maj. Mike Wood of the Leon County Sheriff's Office has told the Tallahassee Democrat that Gary Michael Hilton is the prime suspect in the slaying of Cheryl Dunlap. Hilton has been charged with murder in the death of Georgia hiker Meredith Emerson.

"We have identified that he was in our county, and he is the prime suspect in a murder in Georgia where an ATM card was used," Wood said. "That makes him the focus of our investigation right now."

http://www.11alive.com/news/article_...storyid=109292

[concernedperson]

Maj. Mike Wood of the Leon County Sheriff's Office has told the Tallahassee Democrat that Gary Michael Hilton is the prime suspect in the slaying of Cheryl Dunlap. Hilton has been charged with murder in the death of Georgia hiker Meredith Emerson.

"We have identified that he was in our county, and he is the prime suspect in a murder in Georgia where an ATM card was used," Wood said. "That makes him the focus of our investigation right now."

http://www.11alive.com/news/article_...storyid=109292

Wow, thanks for the info. Looks like we were all on the right track.

[LionRun]

I think I have to disagree that serial killers usually admit to everything after admitting to one. I also believe there is a good chance Hilton could be involved with her case because of the use of the ATM. This seems to be part of his MO.

I agree, SS. Some admit to all or most of their crimes once caught, some admit to the initial crime they were brought in for and no others, and some admit to additional crimes they did not commit. It seems predictably unpredictable as to whether or not a serial killer will or will not truthfully admit to all of his/her crimes.

Lion

[LittleRNB]

http://www.tallahassee.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=200771211012


If you look at the clothing, etc on this pic...does this really look like a 61 yr old male? How would a "drifter" have a button down shirt? I'm not so sure! I hope it IS this man so he can get what he deserves, but I don't want LE to be quick to charge him and let some young killer go free. JMHO. :)

[MeoW333]

http://www.tallahassee.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=200771211012


If you look at the clothing, etc on this pic...does this really look like a 61 yr old male? How would a "drifter" have a button down shirt? I'm not so sure! I hope it IS this man so he can get what he deserves, but I don't want LE to be quick to charge him and let some young killer go free. JMHO. :)

You can get those shirts real cheap at the Goodwills. For probably around $4 i'm sure Hilton decided to splurge at least once.

[LionRun]

Meo, I agree that anyone can buy a button down short for a couple of bucks. There are lost of them at Good Wills everywhere. Button down shirts may not fit with what we think of Hilton as wearing on a regular basis, but we don't know what he might choose to wear for what purposes. The physical description totally fits. I think it is possible that the man in the picture may be Hilton.

Lion

[LittleRNB]

I guess he could afford to splurge since he was getting money from the ATM three nights in a row! He just looks so grungy, I can't wrap my head around him being in a button down...but thats probably his intent, right?

[LionRun]

I guess he could afford to splurge since he was getting money from the ATM three nights in a row! He just looks so grungy, I can't wrap my head around him being in a button down...but thats probably his intent, right?

I wouldn't put it past him, and there may have been a method to his madness. I knew a serial rapist who changed his clothes from plain to him wearing a tight guinea t-shirt and tight jeans along with having no glasses one minute and thick, black, square framed glasses to go with his, "Plain" duds the next minute. I was one of his victims, and I had a hard time recognizing him in person a few minutes after he changed his attire and glasses. We don't know yet if it was Hilton in those surveillance photos, but I think it could have been.

Lion

[MeoW333]

I think Hilton is a lot smarter than we've given him credit for. In the court it did say he answered "yes" to having graduated high school and 2 years of college. He's a new specimen for forensic psych to pick apart..
How many cars does he have access to i wonder? He's got 2 Astro vans; if that pick up truck is his, then he has that also. Lord knows what else.. he has to have some type of hidden cabin or safehouse one would think where he may hoard the rest of his stuff..
Wonder what he said on the phone when witnesses saw him at the Huddle House. Supposedly he called his former boss.

[LittleRNB]

From the distances that he may have covered, it sounds like he may have spent a lot of time sleeping in his van. I have read in reports that he is a known "drifter." I wonder if he is surprised that he got caught so fast?!

[GlitchWizard]

http://www.tallahassee.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=200771211012


If you look at the clothing, etc on this pic...does this really look like a 61 yr old male? How would a "drifter" have a button down shirt? I'm not so sure! I hope it IS this man so he can get what he deserves, but I don't want LE to be quick to charge him and let some young killer go free. JMHO. :)

Having known many homeless people, I know they don't have great options on what clothing they wear. Whatever you can find is what you wear. If it's a button down and it fits - you wear it.

[GlitchWizard]

I wouldn't rule out Hilton as Cheryl's killer just yet. Serials do lie or tell the truth when it benefits. He told the truth about Meredith's body to avoid the DP but if other cases come into play he could still be charged in other jurisdictions and prosecutors could seek the death penalty. So, I don't think he will be singing any songs of other bodies/murders. It is going to take good investigations to find out.

I hope they find conclusive evidence it was him. There are two things I fear. 1. They'll assume it was him and stop looking, leaving the real killer around. 2. They'll find out it's not him, and not find the real killer, leaving the real killer around.

[Mygirlsadie]

Are there any surveillance photos of him using merediths card?
Am wondering if he used a disguise?

[jpulle63]

FLMOM, I keep going back to your vision, those of us who read alot about psychic visions know that there is more symbolic things associated. I thought you were right on when she was found off the backroads of hwy 20.... Could the camo truck at the bank be the one that saw this guy but didn't want to get involved because of his own problems???

[close_enough]

I wouldn't rule out Hilton as Cheryl's killer just yet. Serials do lie or tell the truth when it benefits. He told the truth about Meredith's body to avoid the DP but if other cases come into play he could still be charged in other jurisdictions and prosecutors could seek the death penalty. So, I don't think he will be singing any songs of other bodies/murders. It is going to take good investigations to find out.

no, i wouldn't either....i believe the man that used Cheryl's atm card was Hilton....jmo

[close_enough]

I researched a little more about where the ATM is located. Wow. I didn't realize he used an ATM on Tennessee St! The ATM card was used at 930 pm on two dates and then 730am on the final day. I guess he then figured that he was pushing his luck or, as cdt mentioned, he "knew" when he was going to be on the radar. What a huge coincidence or he figured that when the bank opened to hand over the footage on Monday am, he better stop.
I can't even look at the pictures of his face at the ATM. I read that he was described as wearing a mask, but his lips are so pronounced in the picture, it almost looks as if he has some kind of masking tape on his face.

i think it's tape of some kind also, on his face...not a mask...

[SeriouslySearching]

I believe they have more substantial evidence than they are releasing to go ahead so quickly and define him as a prime suspect in Cheryl's case. This would point to DNA and/or other physical evidence they found on him or in his van perhaps creating a definite link. You know how careful they are about naming suspects anymore.

[concernedperson]

I believe they have more substantial evidence than they are releasing to go ahead so quickly and define him as a prime suspect in Cheryl's case. This would point to DNA and/or other physical evidence they found on him or in his van perhaps creating a definite link. You know how careful they are about naming suspects anymore.

They have identified him in the area for sure. His van has to be a plethora of evidence as Vernon Keenan said....We have tons of evidence.

[SeriouslySearching]

They would have more than putting him in the area, imo. They have physical evidence which must tie him to the crime or crime scene.

[LittleRNB]

I think that the families of the missing put their loved ones DNA in a national data base. When suspects such as Hilton come up, LE can compare samples with the data base and make matches. I am so glad that Hilton is off the streets. :)

[gardenmom]

They would have more than putting him in the area, imo. They have physical evidence which must tie him to the crime or crime scene.

We could hope they found the mask in his van.:) I hope that his van also holds clues to other missing/deceased persons too.

[concernedperson]

Florida to charge Hilton in Dunlap's slaying.

http://www.ajc.com/metro/content/metro/gwinnett/stories/2008/01/11/missing_0112_web3.html?cxntlid=homepage_tab_newsta b

[JinxieJada]

http://www.myfoxatlanta.com/myfox/pages/Home/Detail?contentId=5401449&version=112&locale=EN-US&layoutCode=TSTY&pageId=1.1.1

A Florida prosecutor says he has enough evidence to charge Meredith Emerson's accused killer with a murder in that
state.

William Meggs, the district attorney in Leon County, told a
newspaper that authorities are prepared to charge Gary Michael
Hilton, 61, with killing 46-year-old Cheryl Hodges Dunlap, whose
body was found in the Apalachicola National Forest in December.

More at link - including a couple of cases they are trying to tie him to. They may have been discussed here, not sure I skimmed through the article....

[SeriouslySearching]

That certainly didn't take long! They must have some overwhelmingly clear evidence.

[SuziQ]

We have a thread for Cheryl here. Might be good to keep everything together.

http://www.websleuths.com/forums/showthread.php?t=56986

ETA: Aren't you all antsy like me to know what the evidence is?!

[Mygirlsadie]

I'm thinking his dna on her or her credit cards,atm cards, etc...was found within his junk of stuff.


We have a thread for Cheryl here. Might be good to keep everything together.

http://www.websleuths.com/forums/showthread.php?t=56986

ETA: Aren't you all antsy like me to know what the evidence is?!

[JinxieJada]

The mask? Or the Material the mask was created from?

*I wasn't sure if I should stick this with the thread, or make a new one, since we now know it looks like he's for sure being charged? - LOL, I don't know how/if I can merge, but if someone would pm me w/ instructions, I'll gladly do so if it should be there^^*

L

[fran]

Guess the DP is back on that table!:loser:

fran

[close_enough]

http://www.myfoxatlanta.com/myfox/pages/Home/Detail?contentId=5401449&version=112&locale=EN-US&layoutCode=TSTY&pageId=1.1.1

A Florida prosecutor says he has enough evidence to charge Meredith Emerson's accused killer with a murder in that
state.
William Meggs, the district attorney in Leon County, told a
newspaper that authorities are prepared to charge Gary Michael
Hilton, 61, with killing 46-year-old Cheryl Hodges Dunlap, whose
body was found in the Apalachicola National Forest in December.

More at link - including a couple of cases they are trying to tie him to. They may have been discussed here, not sure I skimmed through the article....

YES!!!..good deal!

[close_enough]

We have a thread for Cheryl here. Might be good to keep everything together.

http://www.websleuths.com/forums/showthread.php?t=56986

ETA: Aren't you all antsy like me to know what the evidence is?!

i agree..this should have been on the other merged thread for Cheryl...i'm going to make a comment over there, lol....

[close_enough]

Florida to charge Hilton in Dunlap's slaying.

http://www.ajc.com/metro/content/metro/gwinnett/stories/2008/01/11/missing_0112_web3.html?cxntlid=homepage_tab_newsta b

YES!!..just read this CP...i wonder what evidence they have?...could be a number of things, huh?....

Florida officials have enough evidence to charge Meredith Emerson's accused killer with a murder in that state, state attorney William Meggs told The Atlanta Journal-Constitution on Friday morning.

[close_enough]

i wonder if she was sexually assaulted...maybe they have that DNA...

[SuziQ]

The mask? Or the Material the mask was created from?

*I wasn't sure if I should stick this with the thread, or make a new one, since we now know it looks like he's for sure being charged? - LOL, I don't know how/if I can merge, but if someone would pm me w/ instructions, I'll gladly do so if it should be there^^*

L

Lol, Jinxie, been there done that and can tell you what to do. Just PM the mods.

[close_enough]

ETA: Aren't you all antsy like me to know what the evidence is?!

the above is a post by SuziQ on another thread, but i wanted to respond here on this thread.....

i'm VERY antsy!...for it to be this fast to charge him, i'd have to say it's his DNA found on her....they may have found foreign DNA, but couldn't match it to anyone until Hilton was arrested...wonder when we'll found out?

[concernedperson]

the above is a post by SuziQ on another thread, but i wanted to respond here on this thread.....

i'm VERY antsy!...for it to be this fast to charge him, i'd have to say it's his DNA found on her....they may have found foreign DNA, but couldn't match it to anyone until Hilton was arrested...wonder when we'll found out?

Probably not until trial. But they feel confident so I imagine it is good evidence.

[GlitchWizard]

Our Tallahassee Democrat says that what Willie said was we probably have enough for a warrant but are in no hurry to do that since he's already in custody. Instead they'll work the case more. Atlanta says we are going to charge him, but Tallahassee says we aren't charging him... yet.

Which is it?

[SeriouslySearching]

Why would they need to go thru a Grand Jury for an indictment when they have sufficient evidence (Hilton leading them to the body etc.) to go ahead with the case? Am I missing something?!

[angelwngs]

Our Tallahassee Democrat says that what Willie said was we probably have enough for a warrant but are in no hurry to do that since he's already in custody. Instead they'll work the case more. Atlanta says we are going to charge him, but Tallahassee says we aren't charging him... yet.

Which is it?

No doubt, Tallahassee is correct...

As sad as it is, (and I can say this because I am from metro-Atlanta), Atlanta media can screw up quicker than ice melts in _ _ _ _ ...well, you get the picture... sad, but true.

[SeriouslySearching]

i agree..this should have been on the other merged thread for Cheryl...i'm going to make a comment over there, lol....The reason I started the threads for possible victims and added their original threads was to cut down on cross threads. I figured we could start others here and as they are charged in this case...then have them merged into the forum here. To bring them into this forum until charges are filed could include them when there is no reason to. (I was trying to think ahead. LOL)

[SeriouslySearching]

I hope they give us a little bit of information on evidence soon. Not that they will...I just really hope so. Sounds like they have conclusive evidence to me.

[JinxieJada]

I don't think the mask really needs a thread, imo. It is obvious we can't know exactly what it was made from. Some say duct tape, others will say it is a Halloween mask, and yet others will say make-up or paint. Pretty much covers it, yes?!


LOL I wasn't talking a thread about the mask! That was in response to what evidence they may have recovered...

I was talking in reference to merging the threads or not =)

L

[SeriouslySearching]

LOL I wasn't talking a thread about the mask! That was in response to what evidence they may have recovered...

I was talking in reference to merging the threads or not =)

LOh, Duh! Hahahahaha Carry on! Sure...start one! Why not?!
The way that Close and others are going on about the mask right now...we may NEED to have a mask thread. LMAO

[JinxieJada]

Oh, Duh! Hahahahaha Carry on! Sure...start one! Why not?!
The way that Close and others are going on about the mask right now...we may NEED to have a mask thread. LMAO


LOL!

I sent Chico a pm to ask how to merge em...

Maybe we should just start a possible evidence thread lol!

[JinxieJada]

WindChime is the mod on this thread and only a mod can "merge" threads on WS. : )

I will go ahead and start you a thread on Evidence. LOL



=) thank you lol. Seriously though, I thought that way, all the speculation, evidence chat, etc, could be in one spot instead of betting buried on other threads? Whatcha think?

[gardenmom]

I hope they give us a little bit of information on evidence soon. Not that they will...I just really hope so. Sounds like they have conclusive evidence to me.

I would love the evidence to come down to his dog. He loved that dog more than human life, so wouldn't it be ironic if there was doggie DNA (ie, hair) on the victims?

[SeriouslySearching]

I would love the evidence to come down to his dog. He loved that dog more than human life, so wouldn't it be ironic if there was doggie DNA (ie, hair) on the victims?It would be great if he didn't realize that he can transfer his dog to victims. I would hope this comes to pass. His use of animals in attracting his victims to come back on him! Poet Justice ten times over! :behindbar

[FLMom]

Dunlap case leaves questions
Some look at time it took for Hilton's arrest


The arrest of Gary Michael Hilton in the death of a Georgia hiker and news that he's a prime suspect in Cheryl Dunlap's killing has brought cautious relief to the community.
But questions remain about Hilton and the death of Dunlap. Hilton, 61, was charged with murder in the death of Meredith Emerson in the woods of North Georgia, and he also is a suspect in the slaying of an elderly couple in North Carolina.

http://www.tallahassee.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080113/NEWS01/801130330

[DeltaDawn]

I read that they have a warning that was given to Hilton in one of the Florida National Parks as evidence that places him there at that time. They found a copy of that warning in his white van. I wonder what other evidence they have found in that white van , maybe Dunlap's purse?

http://www.lakecityreporter.com/articles/2008/01/11/news/doc478837571cb27771720034.txt
SNIP/
“(Hilton) was in a van and Ellis asked him what he was doing there,” Gootee said. “He told Ellis that he’d gotten lost and Jim wrote him a warning about camping in the forest. Ellis came back a few hours later and the guy was gone.”

Gootee said that Ellis received a call a few days later from Georgia law enforcement, after Hilton was captured in Dawson County, Ga. Investigators told Ellis they had found Ellis’ written warning ticket in Hilton’s vehicle and wanted to question him about the run-in. /SNIP

Now this is in Florida, notice he uses the excuse with the forest agent that he is lost..sound familiar? That is the same line he used with the agent when he is filmed on the dashboard cam..that he is lost, he got screwed around somehow, but he's leaving now. So he had a set speech anytime forest agents pulled him over when he was where he wasn't supposed to be..I'm this old lost man. UGH!

[SuziQ]

I read that they have a warning that was given to Hilton in one of the Florida National Parks as evidence that places him there at that time. They foound a copy of that warning in his white van. I wonder what other evidence they have found in that white van , maybe Dunlap's purse?

The 911 caller said Hilton threw away 3 backpacks, a purse, sleeping bag and trash bags. He was holding them all at arms length.

[close_enough]

The 911 caller said Hilton threw away 3 backpacks, a purse, sleeping bag and trash bags. He was holding them all at arms length.

no telling what was in those trash bags.....i'm going to guess & say they found Mr Bryant's yellow jacket...

[LionRun]

The 911 caller said Hilton threw away 3 backpacks, a purse, sleeping bag and trash bags. He was holding them all at arms length.

Ugh. I can only imagine what was in them.

Lion

[SuziQ]

My mind definitely wandered when I read that tidbit about the 911 call. Especially the trash bag part.

[gardenmom]

My mind definitely wandered when I read that tidbit about the 911 call. Especially the trash bag part.

Absolutely! Wouldn't it be great if they can link those trash bags to all the deaths we have discussed here where they bodies were disposed of in trash bags?

[GlitchWizard]

No doubt, Tallahassee is correct...

As sad as it is, (and I can say this because I am from metro-Atlanta), Atlanta media can screw up quicker than ice melts in _ _ _ _ ...well, you get the picture... sad, but true.

Some inside information on Tallahassee, too - there was an email circulated early on in Dunlap's investigation saying she was decapitated and that it might be the work of a serial killer. The Democrat had a refute from the Sherrif (whom I used to babysit for!) that said it was a LIE. Well, turns out it wasn't a lie - and they still don't admit she was decapitated.

So, looks like neither source is entirely straight. :-(

My Mom is trying to get my daughter and I to only walk in neighborhoods and not hike in the woods anymore. It's really too bad how much something like this messes with people.

[angelwngs]

Some inside information on Tallahassee, too - there was an email circulated early on in Dunlap's investigation saying she was decapitated and that it might be the work of a serial killer. The Democrat had a refute from the Sherrif (whom I used to babysit for!) that said it was a LIE. Well, turns out it wasn't a lie - and they still don't admit she was decapitated.

So, looks like neither source is entirely straight. :-(

My Mom is trying to get my daughter and I to only walk in neighborhoods and not hike in the woods anymore. It's really too bad how much something like this messes with people.

I can relate. I've made two phone calls already warning my son and his girlfriend to be especially careful in Athens Memorial Park when taking their dog there... We discussed buying pepper spray or tasers...but honestly I am concerned that those could be taken from a potential victim and used against them. It is seriously crappy to allow ones lifestyle to be so drastically altered emotionally due to a psycho nut such as Hilton! It absolutley infuriates me...

[DixiePeach]

Deputies headed to Ga. in Dunlap case

Three detectives from the Leon County Sheriff's Office left for Georgia this morning, Sgt. Rob Reisinger said.

Two special agents from the Florida Department of Law Enforcement are accompanying them.

<snipped>


http://tallahassee.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080114/BREAKINGNEWS/80114015

[drumstick]

According to this link, FL LE has already charged Hilton for Cheryl Dunlap's murder.

http://www.wspa.com/midatlantic/spa/...1-15-0033.html

"Hilton has already been charged in the murder of Georgia hiker Meredith Emerson, and in the death of Florida mother Cheryl Dunlap."

[DeltaDawn]

According to this link, FL LE has already charged Hilton for Cheryl Dunlap's murder.

http://www.wspa.com/midatlantic/spa/...1-15-0033.html

"Hilton has already been charged in the murder of Georgia hiker Meredith Emerson, and in the death of Florida mother Cheryl Dunlap."

Maybe it's my computer but that link didn't work for me.

[FLMom]

Some inside information on Tallahassee, too - there was an email circulated early on in Dunlap's investigation saying she was decapitated and that it might be the work of a serial killer. The Democrat had a refute from the Sherrif (whom I used to babysit for!) that said it was a LIE. Well, turns out it wasn't a lie - and they still don't admit she was decapitated.



Unreal. This email actually made it to snopes.

http://www.snopes.com/crime/warnings/nohead.asp

[SuziQ]

Unreal. This email actually made it to snopes.

http://www.snopes.com/crime/warnings/nohead.asp

Wow. Snopes might want to update this. Creepy. I've heard rumblings about the other cases and the SK denials. Were they ever ID'd?

[DeltaDawn]

In Dunlap's case the LE in Florida has said previously that they did not release ALL of the details of her murder that they have because some of those things would only be known by the murderer. I think that makes people jump to false conclusions sometimes and may have been what happened in the case of these emails. I sure hope so!

[SeriouslySearching]

I think they should just stick to keeping DNA "close to the vest" and allow the public to know details such as decapitation etc. It gives the public knowledge that the person they are looking for might have left specific evidence behind and John Q. Public would know to be on the lookout for such. A lot of cases are solved because LE involves the public and they run across items which they would otherwise have discarded or ignored.

[GlitchWizard]

I'm terrible with faces. I wouldn't know this guy, even now, if I saw him. I read an account of someone talking to him at Glenda's and all I can think of is every time I've gone to Glenda's for gasoline, crickets to feed my pet lizards, a soda - and the older men in and around the store that I smile at and scratch their dog's ears.

Makes me uncomfortable.

My Mother is more neurotic about this kind of thing than I am, and the other day the UPS driver came to her back door inside the garage instead of the front door (my car was in the way) but she never had one do that before. She didn't hear him drive up, just had a knock on the inside garage door - she said "Who is it?" He said "UPS, I have a delivery" and the ENTIRE TIME she was opening the door, she was thinking how dangerous it was to open the door.

However, she did.

She's been kicking herself because for years she criticized trusting women who'd open their door to strangers, or help strangers on the street. Now she realizes that it's just human nature to trust and to help.

I don't want to live in a world where I can't be nice to an older man, or open my door to the UPS guy without worrying about it.

Where's my security blanket? I want to put my head under it.

[Tallytowngirl]

I don't want to live in a world where I can't be nice to an older man, or open my door to the UPS guy without worrying about it.


I'm so with you.

But we have to remember, Hilton is the aberration, he's not the norm. The norm is the guy who pulls up to help you change your tire - for real.

I think that's why it's so hard for those of us who live in the country to believe this sort of thing can happen in our back yard. I'm so used to folks being neighborly, I can't quite wrap my head around the idea that there really ARE people out there that want to hurt complete strangers, just for fun or profit. Narrow minded and cliche of me, I know - but to me, that's city behavior...

Being nice and helping each other really IS the norm. I believe that.

[DeltaDawn]

Has LE from gotten back from meeting with GA LE?

[GlitchWizard]

Has LE from gotten back from meeting with GA LE?

We'll have to find out from GA. For some reason, I doubt we'll hear about it through Florida channels. Probably because that's the only place we hear things first around here... (besides the grapevine.)

[Tallytowngirl]

Has LE from gotten back from meeting with GA LE?

They're back, but haven't said much...

http://www.wctv.tv/home/headlines/13854162.html

[FLMom]

Press Conference on Dunlap Case

Sheriff Larry Campbell will hold a press conference today at 11 a.m. to discuss the latest detail in the Cheryl Dunlap case. We'll have information for you as soon as it concludes.

http://www.wctv.tv/home/headlines/13863107.html

[Tallytowngirl]

Press conference is over - they've brought evidence back! (and -of course- won't say what it is...)

http://www.wctv.tv/news/headlines/13863107.html

[Tallytowngirl]

Leon County investigators in the Cheryl Dunlap murder were privy to more than 500 pieces of evidence taken from crime scenes in Florida, Georgia and North Carolina during their trip to North Georgia.

at Tallahassee.com (http://www.tallahassee.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080117/BREAKINGNEWS/80117030)

They say they'll post their video of the interview w/ Sheriff Campbell sometime soon.

[SuziQ]

I vote that one piece of evidence is that purse the 911 caller saw Hilton throw away.

[SuziQ]

At the below link is an explanation as to why LE is still looking for the two trucks in the Dunlap case.

http://www.tallahassee.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080117/BREAKINGNEWS/80117030

The people who own those trucks are most likely witnesses, and they may have important information about Hilton, Campbell said.

“We’re trying to establish a timeline for him,” he said

[FLMom]

The main suspect in Cheryl Dunlap's murder case is behind bars but his driving record in Florida has one man concerned.

Sal Secondo worked at the Florida department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles. On a whim he entered accused killer Gary Hilton's name and birthday into their database.

And he says what he found compelled him to speak out. Secondo says, "I felt a moral obligation, I really felt a sense of moral obligation."

Rightful whistleblower or abuse of discretion? Fired, nonetheless. . .


http://www.wctv.tv/home/headlines/13921487.html

[gardenmom]

The main suspect in Cheryl Dunlap's murder case is behind bars but his driving record in Florida has one man concerned.

Sal Secondo worked at the Florida department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles. On a whim he entered accused killer Gary Hilton's name and birthday into their database.

And he says what he found compelled him to speak out. Secondo says, "I felt a moral obligation, I really felt a sense of moral obligation."

Rightful whistleblower or abuse of discretion? Fired, nonetheless. . .

http://www.wctv.tv/home/headlines/13921487.html

That man should get his job back and get promoted, IMO. I agree that the ball has been dropped many times because this guy was not under the radar at all. He should have gotten caught much sooner.

[FLMom]

That man should get his job back and get promoted, IMO. I agree that the ball has been dropped many times because this guy was not under the radar at all. He should have gotten caught much sooner.

My opinion too, although I understand not frivolously searching people out just because you can.

This hit home with me. I had a time with someone who decided to paroose things of mine just because they could, in their job capacity. I reported them and nothing came of it, which really stunk. However, my name wasn't splashed on the front pages related to murder. It was a custody case that they had an "interest" in.

This is totally different to me. . . . and very after the fact of thinking this was a normal citizen he was checking on. I think this guy just got fired because he pointed out the obvious and egged the investigators. No different to me than searching online databases for your local SO's.

[gardenmom]

My opinion too, although I understand not frivolously searching people out just because you can.

This hit home with me. I had a time with someone who decided to paroose things of mine just because they could, in their job capacity. I reported them and nothing came of it, which really stunk. However, my name wasn't splashed on the front pages related to murder. It was a custody case that they had an "interest" in.

This is totally different to me. . . . and very after the fact of thinking this was a normal citizen he was checking on. I think this guy just got fired because he pointed out the obvious and egged the investigators. No different to me than searching online databases for your local SO's.

I see what you mean. When I was much younger I worked at a bank where we had a couple of famous costumers and I was very curious about their balances, and while I never told anyone what the balances were, it was very tempting.

[SeriouslySearching]

What this man did was illegal in most states...it flies in the face of the privacy act. He is lucky he only lost his job.

[Tallytowngirl]

What this man did was illegal in most states...it flies in the face of the privacy act. He is lucky he only lost his job.

If you mean the Driver Privacy Protection Act, it really doesn't do all that much. Basically, it protects against giving out private information like Social Security and Drivers License numbers to mailing lists and the like. And it doesn't consider "vehicular crashes, driving violations, and driver's status" as private information that needs to be kept secret - so the fact that Hilton had a license suspended is specifically not protected under the DPPA.

Meanwhile, private investigators, tow truck companies and insurance agents, as well as government agencies, all have access to the database, if they can prove probable cause.

So a P.I. could have asked Sal Secondo for the information, and would have gotten it, but Sal can't look for it himself...

[Tallytowngirl]

Old news, but didn't see it posted anywhere. Guess a lot more witnesses have talked to the Sheriff's office about having seen Hilton in the Tally area. Looks like he was in the area for a few months. Scary thought, that.

Originally published January 23, 2008
Sheriff's Office reports more sightings of Hilton (http://www.tallahassee.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=200880123024)

[GlitchWizard]

That man should get his job back and get promoted, IMO. I agree that the ball has been dropped many times because this guy was not under the radar at all. He should have gotten caught much sooner.

Our officers have laptops that connect directly to our database and give you license information. I believe they should run a query whenever they stop someone, that's what it is there for.

As for the employee of Highway Safety - we are told during orientation, and again each time we log onto our computers that the information is of private nature for a reason and we will be fired if we use it for any purpose other than our job. He had to know he'd lose his job.

[MeoW333]

I really hope they have taken DNA samples from Dandy also, as that may be on potential evidence. Dog DNA is valid in court now. Those of us who are dog owners, know how they can shed.

[SeriouslySearching]

Have we heard any more on Cheryl's case?

[Tallytowngirl]

State Attorney Willie Meggs said the news (of Hilton's Guilty Plea) "doesn't affect us."
"We will continue working our case down here," Meggs said.
When asked if he's coordinating with prosecutors in North Carolina to file charges against Hilton, Meggs said, "We're talking, as we have been for weeks."
He said charges will be filed against Hilton in Dunlap's death "when we get done investigating and have sufficient evidence," but he declined to say when that would be.


Tallahassee Democrat (http://www.tallahassee.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=2008802010354)

[LillyRush]

It was great to read more details on Cheryl's disappearance. I've only seen her mentioned in one article that briefly covered both her and the Bryants.

This clearly shows that Hilton was not just targeting hikers and their investigation on him should be wide open to consider all possibilities concerning the victims he may have targeted. Thanks for the local and other information. :)