Missing Georgia hiker--Meredith Emerson, 24

[cwiz24]

Search Resumes Today For Missing Georgia Hiker


UNION COUNTY, Ga. -- The search resumes Thursday morning in Union County for a missing hiker and her dog.

Friends believe Meredith Emerson, 24, from Gwinnett County, spent Tuesday and Wednesday night outside in the cold north Georgia mountains. Temperatures reached into the teens both nights.

Emerson's friends said she went hiking with her dog on Blood Mountain Trail Tuesday. Authorities said they have located Emerson's car and her dog's leash, but they have found no sign of Emerson or her black Lab.

Police also found a police baton and a pair of sunglasses near Emerson's car.

Another hiker told officials he saw a man with a similar baton clipped to his belt hiking on the same trail that Emerson took.

Read on: http://www.wsbtv.com/news/14964662/detail.html

[Taximom]

Does anyone know what that significance of the baton means? Is that something all hikers carry?

I hope she and her dog are ok.

[cwiz24]

Does anyone know what that significance of the baton means? Is that something all hikers carry?

I hope she and her dog are ok.

From what I know, it is not a common tool to bring hiking. But I could be wrong. Might people carry one to fend off bears? I can't think of any other purpose it may serve.

By the way, some of the news stories I've read say that they indeed found a dog collar, but are not sure if it belonged to Meredith's dog or not. The article linked above states that the dog collar did belong to Meredith's dog, but other stories say different.

[concernedperson]

They found a dog collar and water bottle but aren't sure if it is hers. Sub-freezing temperatures in the mountains...I hope they find her today.

http://www.ajc.com/metro/content/metro/gwinnett/stories/2008/01/02/missing_0103.html?cxntlid=homepage_tab_newstab

[Pandora]

Does anyone know what that significance of the baton means? Is that something all hikers carry?

I hope she and her dog are ok.

Meredith had a blue belt, so it may have been something she felt comfortable using to defend herself or her dog. Of course, it could also be something she threw for the dog to fetch. (Weird, but not out of the realm of possibility.)

[christine2448]

Her car was found in the trailhead parking lot, covered in snow. But there was no sign of Meredith or her dog.

While the sheriff's department and GEMA are handing it as a missing persons' case, there are some details that have friends concerned. According to her roommate, a former police officer hiking on the trail on Tuesday said he recalled seeing her and her dog and that he also noticed a man on the trail that gave him an uneasy feeling. That man was carrying a police baton.

The former officer said he continued up the hill. He said that when he came back down the hill he found some of Meredith's belongings including a leash, two water bottles and some dog treats. Also, next to those items, were a police baton and some men's sunglasses. He turned those items into a local shop owner.

All of that information is being checked into and the former officer returned to the scene Thursday morning to help pinpoint the area where he saw the suspicious man.


http://www.11alive.com/news/article_news.aspx?storyid=108958

[Taximom]

This young dog owner is missing in GA too. Are they close in location?
http://www.websleuths.com/forums/showthread.php?t=58041

[christine2448]

According to workers at the Visitors Center, someone saw Emerson coming down the mountain, trailed by someone with a police baton.

WXIA reports a hiker turned in a dog leash, two water bottles and a police baton to the Visitors Center. Emerson's car was also found. According to WXIA, the significance of the findings was not realized until later; authorities do not know the identity of the hiker who turned in the belongings but they would like to speak to him because he may have seen something.

According to WXIA, despite the finding of the police baton, the Union County Sheriff's Department is considering this a missing person search, not a criminal investigation.

http://www.9news.com/news/local/article.aspx?storyid=83799

Reported a bit differently here.

Also, several articles on the net are saying NO FOUL PLAY SUSPECTED...huh?

[cwiz24]

Also, several articles on the net are saying NO FOUL PLAY SUSPECTED...huh?

I agree with you, christine. I've read all the news reports on this and they seem somewhat contradictory. When you have a witness saying he saw a man with a police baton on the trail and that baton is later found with some of Meredith's belongings, why would foul play be ruled out here? The authorities seems to want to project that this is just a missing persons case, not a criminal situation. Perhaps they want to draw someone out, give him a false sense of security?

[concernedperson]

I agree with you, christine. I've read all the news reports on this and they seem somewhat contradictory. When you have a witness saying he saw a man with a police baton on the trail and that baton is later found with some of Meredith's belongings, why would foul play be ruled out here? The authorities seems to want to project that this is just a missing persons case, not a criminal situation. Perhaps they want to draw someone out, give him a false sense of security?

I agree with both of you...something is really odd here.

[concernedperson]

AJC is confirming that it is Meredith's water bottle and dog leash.

http://www.ajc.com/metro/content/metro/gwinnett/stories/2008/01/02/missing_0103.html?cxntlid=homepage_tab_newstab

[concernedperson]

Now saying that GBI has joined the search. This must mean they expect some foul play.

[JinxieJada]

I don't hike - go through the trails maybe, but not like that - So forgive my ignorace =)

But - is having your dog off lead something that is normal to do? Does it depend on the dog etc? Not sure what type of certificate she's holding in the one pic released of her and her dog, but I was thinking she's done some type of training with it (dog).

Has anyone searched petfinder or called the local shelters in that area to see if they've had a "drop off" or a pickup complaint of a dead animal that matches her dog's description?

I know it seems I'm focusing on the dog. BUT if I were going to do something, The dog would be the first thing that would be "dealt" with. That's just based on personal history w/ My dog though. If it came down to it, I know/seen what he'll do/ is capable of.

Or am I "barking up the wrong tree" here?

[concernedperson]

Officials are looking for a person of interest seen descending the trail at the same time as Meredith. He is described as a white male between 50-60 years old with bad teeth.

I hope someone saw what type of vehicles were around at the time. This sounds like an abduction for sure.

[concernedperson]

Updated news report. Looking for a man with a red retriever named Danny seen talking to Meredith.

http://www.wsbtv.com/news/14964662/detail.html

[cwiz24]

Updated news report. Looking for a man with a red retriever named Danny seen talking to Meredith.

http://www.wsbtv.com/news/14964662/detail.html

Never heard of a 'red retriever'. Maybe it was an Irish Setter? What other types of dogs are red-colored? I hope the police are doing a cross-check of dog license records in the area.

[concernedperson]

Never heard of a 'red retriever'. Maybe it was an Irish Setter? What other types of dogs are red-colored? I hope the police are doing a cross-check of dog license records in the area.

If this guy was local it seems someone would recognize the description of him and his dog. I don't think dog licenses are required for ownership in Georgia but I stand to be corrected.

[JinxieJada]

A darker haired golden retriever, lighter type chocolate lab, anytype of a mixed breed. (Lab/whatever cross) Irish Setters,

When I googled "red retreiver" I came up with this image -

http://www.grangeville.us/idahocounty/police/animalcontrol/2007/03/red-retriever-type-dog-found-on-s-c-st.htm
http://www.grangeville.us/idahocounty/police/animalcontrol/2007/03/red-retriever-type-dog-found-on-s-c-st.htm


No doggie expert here - but the one in the pic looks to be a golden mix of some sort. Could be totally offbase but maybe this is similiar to what the person was trying to describe to LE?

[concernedperson]

A darker haired golden retriever, lighter type chocolate lab, anytype of a mixed breed. (Lab/whatever cross) Irish Setters,

When I googled "red retreiver" I came up with this image -

http://www.grangeville.us/idahocounty/police/animalcontrol/2007/03/red-retriever-type-dog-found-on-s-c-st.htm
file:///C:/DOCUME%7E1/OWNER%7E1.LIL/LOCALS%7E1/Temp/moz-screenshot-3.jpghttp://www.grangeville.us/idahocounty/police/animalcontrol/2007/03/red-retriever-type-dog-found-on-s-c-st.htm


No doggie expert here - but the one in the pic looks to be a golden mix of some sort. Could be totally offbase but maybe this is the person was trying to describe to LE?

Not being an expert on dogs, I would say that if I had to give a description of that dog in the pic.

[TGIRecovered]

Here is what concerns me.We have an ex-police officer turning in miscellaneous "trail-trash" to a shopkeeper before there is any indication of any kind of crime. One of the items is a police baton. This ex-officer also happens to have witnessed the now missing girl talking with...are you ready?..."a weathered looking man with a dog named Danny". Sounds like a character in a scary story to me. Kind of like the characters who "kidnapped" the run-away bride, or the black man with the knit cap who "carjacked" Susan Smith and her babies. The more natural reaction for a cop who sees a young lady in the wilderness, talking to a suspicious-looking much older man would be to speak to both of them to get a feel for the situation. A casual hello, enjoying your hike?...you live around here?...ever hiked such and such trail?...Maybe even an offer to accompany the young lady to her vehicle.I just think it is weird that the ex-cop saw this situation, apparently did not investigate further with even a casual bit of conversation, yet he sees fit to collect evidence of a crime before the girl was reported missing and turn it in to a store employee rather than LE.If I were a young lady hiking in the wilderness, I would probably not give that doggie looking old man more than a casual nod, much less become engaged in conversation with him. I might however, trust a cop to escort me safely to my car.It will be interesting to see if this girl or her dog are found with wounds from a police baton.If anyone can get the name of this ex-cop, it could be very enlightening, or at least provide a means to eliminate him as a suspect, which he still is, in my mind.Susan

[TGIRecovered]

A golden retriever sometimes has reddish hair.

[concernedperson]

Susan, I understand what you are saying and it could still be a possibility but the wsb article above said that "Hikers" saw her talking to this older man. Meaning more than one person. Also, the person who found the baton etc. turned it in to the Visitor Center. As the story gets updated a few more things become apparent than the first story.

[SuziQ]

I don't hike - go through the trails maybe, but not like that - So forgive my ignorace =)

But - is having your dog off lead something that is normal to do? Does it depend on the dog etc? Not sure what type of certificate she's holding in the one pic released of her and her dog, but I was thinking she's done some type of training with it (dog).

Has anyone searched petfinder or called the local shelters in that area to see if they've had a "drop off" or a pickup complaint of a dead animal that matches her dog's description?

I know it seems I'm focusing on the dog. BUT if I were going to do something, The dog would be the first thing that would be "dealt" with. That's just based on personal history w/ My dog though. If it came down to it, I know/seen what he'll do/ is capable of.

Or am I "barking up the wrong tree" here?

I used to hike and camp a lot before I developed a foot problem. You never take your dog off their leash. And for the most part, victims of foul play usually don't have a dog with them. Dogs are a deterent to two legged creatures. However, they attract four legged ones because they view dogs as a food source. For that reason it's not a good idea to hike with a dog at all.

The LE friend and the sighting of the other person is just too wierd for words. Finding the batton, water bottles and leash is very strange. In all my years of hiking and walking trails, I've never found a batton or seen one on another person. And I've never seen a leash or collar laying around.

Two things come to mind. They were attacked by an animal and she let her dog off the leash and bacame prey herself as well. Or her dog went into water because she let him off the leash and got into trouble going after the dog.

[JinxieJada]

I used to hike and camp a lot before I developed a foot problem. You never take your dog off their leash. And for the most part, victims of foul play usually don't have a dog with them. Dogs are a deterent to two legged creatures. However, they attract four legged ones because they view dogs as a food source. For that reason it's not a good idea to hike with a dog at all.

The LE friend and the sighting of the other person is just too wierd for words. Finding the batton, water bottles and leash is very strange. In all my years of hiking and walking trails, I've never found a batton or seen one on another person. And I've never seen a leash or collar laying around.

Two things come to mind. They were attacked by an animal and she let her dog off the leash and bacame prey herself as well. Or her dog went into water because she let him off the leash and got into trouble going after the dog.


Thanks for the insight on the hiking with animals!

Maybe I misunderstood, I *thought* the baton and stuff was located right by her car. Is there a body of water or anything near her vehicle that she would have let the dog go to? On one of the links there was an updated pic, looks like the "Puppy" isn't a puppy any longer...I'm hoping for the best with this one, but I feel the worst may have happened unfortunately.

[TGIRecovered]

SuziQ wrote:Two things come to mind. They were attacked by an animal and she let her dog off the leash and bacame prey herself as well. Or her dog went into water because she let him off the leash and got into trouble going after the dog.----------------------------------------------------------------Those sound like good possibilities to me, but it still seems like a strange coincidence about the baton and sunglasses near her car. A baton and sunglasses are two things that could make a person appear to be a cop, and why were they near her car?I need to learn a few things before I go hiking with my dog. I would have probably let her off the leash because she enjoyes running so much. I can see now that it would not be a good idea!

[SuziQ]

Jinxie, I'm confused as to some of the facts as well. They are different in each article. I could see a leash being taken off, but the collar? One of the reasons I never take my dog off a leash is they could spot a rabbit or something and just take off after it. Even the best trained dogs do this, and there is no prayer in the world of stopping or catching up to them.

[concernedperson]

Updated article 1:20 Eastern.

Other hikers describe the man as white between 50-60 years old with a reddish dog. He is also described as having on a yellow jacket with a large backpack and some kind of sheath attached to his leg.

http://www.wsbtv.com/news/14964662/detail.html

[SuziQ]

SuziQ wrote:Two things come to mind. They were attacked by an animal and she let her dog off the leash and bacame prey herself as well. Or her dog went into water because she let him off the leash and got into trouble going after the dog.----------------------------------------------------------------Those sound like good possibilities to me, but it still seems like a strange coincidence about the baton and sunglasses near her car. A baton and sunglasses are two things that could make a person appear to be a cop, and why were they near her car?I need to learn a few things before I go hiking with my dog. I would have probably let her off the leash because she enjoyes running so much. I can see now that it would not be a good idea!

Accidents do happen all the time, but it's the human element here that bothers me. If the items were found near her car at the trailhead, then I doubt she was attacked by an animal. And do we really know if more than one person spotted the baton toting person? Every article is different.

[TGIRecovered]

When using a leash with my lab mix, I attache it to a harness rather than the collar, so it won't hurt her neck. I have to watch out to be sure I get the harness all of the way past the collar so they won't get tangled. I can see how, if I were holding the leash attached to the harness, and someone tried to hurt me, my dog would jump on them, and they might grab her collar and pull it off in the struggle. Susan

[JinxieJada]

Jinxie, I'm confused as to some of the facts as well. They are different in each article. I could see a leash being taken off, but the collar? One of the reasons I never take my dog off a leash is they could spot a rabbit or something and just take off after it. Even the best trained dogs do this, and there is no prayer in the world of stopping or catching up to them.

After talking talking dh's head off about this case he brought up a friend of ours who used to hike w/ her dog. She used to use a slip collar on her in case while exploring she would get caught on something. Does anyone know if they've released what type of collar/leash etc.

Also, does anyone know if they've tried to track the baton down? Sometimes only certain companies only deal w/ certain "brands" or will sell only to certain companies/areas. I understand he could have picked it up anywhere, and it may in fact not be a "true" police baton.


Has anyone else seen where it was stated the person they are looking for (not suspect yet, but I guess maybe a person of interest at this point?) had a large sheath attached to his side/leg? Could there be two different people and because of what this guy had on his leg the assumption is being that he is one and the same? I haven't seen anything stated about him wearing sunglasses, and it seems to me that it would be unlikely they would just "fall out" if he weren't wearing them. (going on thing, i would think they would be in a backpack etc)

BUT at the same time, if someone is noticing he's missing teeth, why wouldn't they notice he was wearing sunglasses?

I'm not trying to take away interest in finding either party, just trying to figure out if they are looking at the right (guy)for the right reasons.

[SuziQ]

When using a leash with my lab mix, I attache it to a harness rather than the collar, so it won't hurt her neck. I have to watch out to be sure I get the harness all of the way past the collar so they won't get tangled. I can see how, if I were holding the leash attached to the harness, and someone tried to hurt me, my dog would jump on them, and they might grab her collar and pull it off in the struggle. Susan

I agree that the collar being off would indicate a struggle. I've gone through that just trying to get my dogs into the vet!

I can't get WSB to open for me. But it sounds like there is more than just the LE officer that witnessed the other guy. Another thing that bothers me is if she made it back to the trailhead, then she probably isn't lost as she was probably on her way home. Really not much trouble to get into at a trailhead.

[ThoughtFox]

Union County is in the mountains and it has been freezing the past few days - I mean bitter cold and wind.

All the big animals are in hibernation. Snakes and Bears would not be out and about this time of year, which usually makes this a good time to go hiking. Except that most people wouldn't go out when snow is forecast in the mountains and the temperature is dropping.

Someone might have a baton to fight off dogs or wild boars, and then there are foxes and bobcats which are much smaller. Otherwise, there is no real reason to arm yourself in that area.

That wasn't just any trail either, but the Appalachian Trail. That is a very rugged part of the Trail, with ridges that go up and down, and those valleys would get dark early and very cold. It's wild there.

However this (http://www.9news.com/news/local/article.aspx?storyid=83799) article says she was from Colorado, which is probably why she wasn't afraid to hike there. Going there alone was probably not a good idea, though, because it is remote, and the trails are empty this time of year.

This isn't just a walking trail, but wilderness, so I'm not surprised she let the dog off the leash. Perhaps she had one of those harnesses with an attached collar, and that's what they might be talking about. I doubt the actual collar was found, unless that dog is like mine and tries to slip out of the collar if you grab hold of it? (Sorry - I see some of the rest of you already posted that idea!)

[TGIRecovered]

Accidents do happen all the time, but it's the human element here that bothers me. If the items were found near her car at the trailhead, then I doubt she was attacked by an animal. And do we really know if more than one person spotted the baton toting person? Every article is different.

I can see how, in situations such as this, eye-witness accounts can get jumbled together. Say, several hickers recall a mid-fifties man with a dog, one remembers the backpack, another hears him call out to the dog by name. I wonder if the bit about the baton came from the cop or if others saw a sheath only, which could have contained any number of things...baton, knife, flashlight, pepper spray etc.I'd still like some names, if anyone comes across any. My thinking on the ex-cop was that if he did anything to her with the baton and knew she would eventually be found, it would seem smart to say he saw her with someone he knew others would remember on the trail, such as a drifter he's seen before.Also, why is he "ex"?...Retired, fired, pursueing a more profitable career?Susan

[JinxieJada]

Union County is in the mountains and it has been freezing the past few days - I mean bitter cold and wind.

All the big animals are in hibernation. Snakes and Bears would not be out and about this time of year, which usually makes this a good time to go hiking. Except that most people wouldn't go out when snow is forecast in the mountains and the temperature is dropping.

Someone might have a baton to fight off dogs or wild boars, and then there are foxes and bobcats which are much smaller. Otherwise, there is no real reason to arm yourself in that area.

That wasn't just any trail either, but the Appalachian Trail. That is a very rugged part of the Trail, with ridges that go up and down, and those valleys would get dark early and very cold. It's wild there.

However this (http://www.9news.com/news/local/article.aspx?storyid=83799) article says she was from Colorado, which is probably why she wasn't afraid to hike there. Going there alone was probably not a good idea, though, because it is remote, and the trails are empty this time of year.

This isn't just a walking trail, but wilderness, so I'm not surprised she let the dog off the leash. Perhaps she had one of those harnesses with an attached collar, and that's what they might be talking about. I doubt the actual collar was found, unless that dog is like mine and tries to slip out of the collar if you grab hold of it? (Sorry - I see some of the rest of you already posted that idea!)

Thoughtfox -


Thanks for the headsup about the area - puts things a bit more into perspective now that I can sort of imagine the type of trails/areas this is in. I was thinking it was more along the lines of groomed trails but "in the wilderness" if that makes sense?

[SuziQ]

The kind of collar/leash would indicate if it could have even come off in a struggle or not. I've seen alot of people use break-away collars on active dogs.

I don't know what kind of wildlife is in that area at all. Out west the biggest threat at this time of year is mountain lions. But they usually leave an obvious trail. So I'm pretty sure authorities have ruled that out by now.

This whole case is creepy and doesn't look good, IMO.

[christine2448]

Susan, I understand what you are saying and it could still be a possibility but the wsb article above said that "Hikers" saw her talking to this older man. Meaning more than one person. Also, the person who found the baton etc. turned it in to the Visitor Center. As the story gets updated a few more things become apparent than the first story.

In one article I posted it stated that the WORKERS at the VISITOR center saw this man talking w/her I believe..I will go get it..but there are several reporting and reporting differently:

According to workers at the Visitors Center, someone saw Emerson coming down the mountain, trailed by someone with a police baton.

WXIA reports a hiker turned in a dog leash, two water bottles and a police baton to the Visitors Center. Emerson's car was also found. According to WXIA, the significance of the findings was not realized until later; authorities do not know the identity of the hiker who turned in the belongings but they would like to speak to him because he may have seen something.

According to WXIA, despite the finding of the police baton, the Union County Sheriff's Department is considering this a missing person search, not a criminal investigation.

http://www.9news.com/news/local/arti...?storyid=83799 (http://www.9news.com/news/local/article.aspx?storyid=83799)

[JinxieJada]

Im confused - the (ex)cop (sideline why is he an ex? retirement? fired? quit? etc?)

Did he turn in the stuff before she "went missing" and then came back around when it was reported she was? Or was the stuff turned in AFTER she was reported missing?

Sorry if I appear "not with it" but something is really bugging me here, and I can't quite put my finger on it yet. Just that "feeling" anyone else?

[christine2448]

SuziQ wrote:Two things come to mind. They were attacked by an animal and she let her dog off the leash and bacame prey herself as well. Or her dog went into water because she let him off the leash and got into trouble going after the dog.----------------------------------------------------------------Those sound like good possibilities to me, but it still seems like a strange coincidence about the baton and sunglasses near her car. A baton and sunglasses are two things that could make a person appear to be a cop, and why were they near her car?I need to learn a few things before I go hiking with my dog. I would have probably let her off the leash because she enjoyes running so much. I can see now that it would not be a good idea!

And they are MALE sunglasses. Not for a lady.

[SuziQ]

Im confused - the (ex)cop (sideline why is he an ex? retirement? fired? quit? etc?)

Did he turn in the stuff before she "went missing" and then came back around when it was reported she was? Or was the stuff turned in AFTER she was reported missing?

Sorry if I appear "not with it" but something is really bugging me here, and I can't quite put my finger on it yet. Just that "feeling" anyone else?

I want to know more about this witness.

[SuziQ]

Is the below quote the last sighting of them?

The man was accompanied by a dog, a "dark reddish-colored retriever," who answered to the name Danny, she said. She said at one point, Emerson and the man both let their dogs run free, then followed the two dogs as they ran up the mountain.

http://www.cnn.com/2008/US/01/03/missing.hiker/index.html

[ThoughtFox]

Maps from Google Earth - you can see that this is out in the middle of nowhere. The visitors center must be the roof to the right of the parking area. Blood Mountain Trail seems to split off the main Appy Trail.

Edited to Add: These pics are obviously from the summer. In winter, there would be much less leaf cover, even though I'm sure some of those are pine and cedar trees. Mostly they would be deciduous and would just be bare branches in winter.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v624/sip44/AppalachianTrail-MeredithEmerson-1.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v624/sip44/AppalachianTrail-MeredithEmersonMap.jpg

[KrisNine]

I didn't see this before. I just added Meredith to the Missing forum. Meredith is the best friend of a poster I know on another board. As you can imagine, she is frantic with worry.

[concernedperson]

Is the below quote the last sighting of them?

The man was accompanied by a dog, a "dark reddish-colored retriever," who answered to the name Danny, she said. She said at one point, Emerson and the man both let their dogs run free, then followed the two dogs as they ran up the mountain.

http://www.cnn.com/2008/US/01/03/missing.hiker/index.html

Now this article says her mittens and sunglasses (not confirmed by police) were found near the baton and water bottle and leash.

[TGIRecovered]

Misterallgood....Huff are you here?

[TGIRecovered]

I didn't see this before. I just added Meredith to the Missing forum. Meredith is the best friend of a poster I know on another board. As you can imagine, she is frantic with worry.

Great, thanks KrisNine!Why don't you invite your friend to join us at WS? I'm sorry she has to deal with the limbo of not knowing what happened to her friend! If it were me, I would want to be brainstorming for ideas of how to find the Danny-dog guy.

[TGIRecovered]

If the dentally-challenged-doggie-fellow frequents that area, people in supply stores or diners must remember him. Maybe someone who lives in the area could call around and ask?

[KrisNine]

Great, thanks KrisNine!Why don't you invite your friend to join us at WS? I'm sorry she has to deal with the limbo of not knowing what happened to her friend! If it were me, I would want to be brainstorming for ideas of how to find the Danny-dog guy.

I invited her to come over :) Her husband has been searching yesterday and today.

She said Meredith is very sweet and friendly. She would probably chat with someone who has a dog, since her own dog is very outgoing.

[JinxieJada]

Im home today if anyone wants me to call around to places down there. Not familiar w/ the area by anymeans, but if someone can give me some direction, I'm more than happy to do whatever I can to help. I know someone (sorry can't recall who atm) talked about calling diners etc. Should I call the animal shelters down in the area? Local vets? Diners? Local mom and pop stores?

[christine2448]

The former officer said he continued up the hill. He said that when he came back down the hill he found some of Meredith's belongings including a leash, two water bottles and some dog treats. Also, next to those items, were a police baton and some men's sunglasses. He turned those items into a local shop owner.

REporting on Alive 11 Atlanta

[TGIRecovered]

Last Modified: 1/3/2008 9:54:53 AMAccording to her roommate, a former police officer hiking on the trail on Tuesday said he recalled seeing her and her dog and that he also noticed a man on the trail that gave him an uneasy feeling. That man was carrying a police baton.The former officer said he continued up the hill. He said that when he came back down the hill he found some of Meredith's belongings including a leash, two water bottles and some dog treats. Also, next to those items, were a police baton and some men's sunglasses. He turned those items into a local shop owner.All of that information is being checked into and the former officer returned to the scene Thursday morning to help pinpoint the area where he saw the suspicious man.

[KrisNine]

Ella is trained and microchipped. If she ends up in a shelter, she will be traced back to Meredith.

[SuziQ]

Im home today if anyone wants me to call around to places down there. Not familiar w/ the area by anymeans, but if someone can give me some direction, I'm more than happy to do whatever I can to help. I know someone (sorry can't recall who atm) talked about calling diners etc. Should I call the animal shelters down in the area? Local vets? Diners? Local mom and pop stores?

If you input the name of the trail into Google maps, it will pull up the location, then at the top click on find businesses on map, and input, restaurants, or whatever type of business you are looking for. It should pull up the names, addresses and phone numbers. I think that's how to do all that anyways.

[TGIRecovered]

From the 11alive article linked previously:Last Modified: 1/3/2008 9:54:53 AMAccording to her roommate, a former police officer hiking on the trail on Tuesday said he recalled seeing her and her dog and that he also noticed a man on the trail that gave him an uneasy feeling. That man was carrying a police baton.The former officer said he continued up the hill. He said that when he came back down the hill he found some of Meredith's belongings including a leash, two water bottles and some dog treats. Also, next to those items, were a police baton and some men's sunglasses. He turned those items into a local shop owner.All of that information is being checked into and the former officer returned to the scene Thursday morning to help pinpoint the area where he saw the suspicious man. -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------We need this man's name and where he used to police.

[KrisNine]

New, recent pic of Ella

http://www.foxnews.com/images/333974/1_22_emerson_ella.jpg

[SuziQ]

In all the media reports that have come out, has an exact location been disclosed of where items were found? And where exactly Emerson and this guy were when they were talking and proceeded to follow the dogs up the mountain?

[cwiz24]

People don't hike the Appalachian Trail with dogs, do they? One of the articles (http://www.myfoxaustin.com/myfox/pages/News/Detail?contentId=5384057&version=1&locale=EN-US&layoutCode=TSTY&pageId=3.3.1) described the male hiker's backpack as "very large". To me, that sounds like it may have been the type of backpack that an AT hiker may use. I've never heard of an AT hiker with a dog, but that doesn't mean people don't do it.

[Trino]

I have hiked portions of the Appalachian Trail around NC and TN - pretty rugged - although not this particular section, but most of the southern portion of the AT is fairly rugged, not unheard of to have an unlicensed dog, let your dog off a leash, and not unheard of to meet some strange bedfellows along the way. The AT has day hikers, week hikers, and through hikers. There probably are also those who just hike to who-knows-where.

The AT is not today what it once was. While my husband and I did not carry a weapon, there are those who do, albeit illegally a gun. Knives are common, although a sheath knife - seems the "suspect" had one - would IMO be overdone. Although I don't know that my husband and I were afraid, we felt a bit uneasy sharing park-constructed lean-to's with other campers. (There are not always tent camping places.)

It seems this woman was prepared, knew what she was doing. I'm guessing she did not fall prey to nature but to a two-legged culprit.

[JinxieJada]

People don't hike the Appalachian Trail with dogs, do they? One of the articles (http://www.myfoxaustin.com/myfox/pages/News/Detail?contentId=5384057&version=1&locale=EN-US&layoutCode=TSTY&pageId=3.3.1) described the male hiker's backpack as "very large". To me, that sounds like it may have been the type of backpack that an AT hiker may use. I've never heard of an AT hiker with a dog, but that doesn't mean people don't do it.


Again, I haven't hiked like this - what's the difference between a "regular" hikder backpack and an AT (I'm guessing that is for Appy Trail right?) backpack?

Since media reports stated that she was prepared for this hike. Is it safe to assume she too would have a backpack on her person?

[SuziQ]

According to the below linked article, Dandy guy was possibly driving a 2000/2001 white minivan, poss Ga. plates.

(snip)
Police have confirmed that a water bottle and a leash found in the area belonged to Emerson, Verdone said.

Emerson's roommate, Julia Karrenbauer, told CNN on Thursday that Emerson's sunglasses and mittens were found in the area, as was a baton.

Police are not confirming the roomates information.

http://www.cnn.com/2008/US/01/03/missing.hiker/index.html

[happy2bn10ec]

People don't hike the Appalachian Trail with dogs, do they? One of the articles (http://www.myfoxaustin.com/myfox/pages/News/Detail?contentId=5384057&version=1&locale=EN-US&layoutCode=TSTY&pageId=3.3.1) described the male hiker's backpack as "very large". To me, that sounds like it may have been the type of backpack that an AT hiker may use. I've never heard of an AT hiker with a dog, but that doesn't mean people don't do it.



http://www.appalachiantrail.org/site/c.jkLXJ8MQKtH/b.809945/k.C824/FAQ.htm

Can I bring my dog?

Dogs are permitted along most of the Trail, but they impose additional responsibilities on hikers who bring them along. If you want to hike with your dog, be considerate of others (and your dog) by planning carefully, educating yourself about local regulations, and keeping your dog controlled at all times. Dogs are not allowed in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park in Tennessee and North Carolina, Baxter State Park in Maine, and the Trailside Museum and Wildlife Center in Bear Mountain State Park, New York. Dogs are required to be on a leash on all National Park Service-administered lands—or more than 40 percent of the entire A.T. More: Hiking with Dogs (http://www.appalachiantrail.org/hikingwithdogs).

[JinxieJada]

If you input the name of the trail into Google maps, it will pull up the location, then at the top click on find businesses on map, and input, restaurants, or whatever type of business you are looking for. It should pull up the names, addresses and phone numbers. I think that's how to do all that anyways.

Okie I'll try that out and see where I get ....


But Has anyone found a better description? I mean, seriously, A weathered man with missing teeth can be anyone of a number of people right?

[cwiz24]

People don't hike the Appalachian Trail with dogs, do they? One of the articles (http://www.myfoxaustin.com/myfox/pages/News/Detail?contentId=5384057&version=1&locale=EN-US&layoutCode=TSTY&pageId=3.3.1) described the male hiker's backpack as "very large". To me, that sounds like it may have been the type of backpack that an AT hiker may use. I've never heard of an AT hiker with a dog, but that doesn't mean people don't do it.

I'm going to respond to my own post. It seems that hiking with one's dog on the AT is not unusual at all. Over at http://www.trailjournals.com, it seems like there are quite a few people who bring their dogs with them (at least part of the way). The website may be useful and I've been looking through it for the past 10 minutes. Basically, people who are hiking the AT post entries and photos about their trip, many of them posting as they go when they stop in towns with internet access. Perhaps someone else encountered this male hiker and wrote about it or even took a picture? There are quite a few people currently hiking the trail, especially in the Georgia area since they would be ending their southbound trek from Maine (where they would have started in the late summer, early fall).

[JinxieJada]

According to the below linked article, Dandy guy was possibly driving a 2000/2001 white minivan, poss Ga. plates.

(snip)
Police have confirmed that a water bottle and a leash found in the area belonged to Emerson, Verdone said.

Emerson's roommate, Julia Karrenbauer, told CNN on Thursday that Emerson's sunglasses and mittens were found in the area, as was a baton.

Police are not confirming the roomates information.

http://www.cnn.com/2008/US/01/03/missing.hiker/index.html


Have we gotten confirmation/news yet on exactly where the items were found? I've seen some reports say on/near the trail, and other articles state by her vehicle.

[misterallgood]

This young dog owner is missing in GA too. Are they close in location?
http://www.websleuths.com/forums/showthread.php?t=58041

Local news reported today that Cayle was known to be bipolar. Some seem to think this may have something to do with her disappearance, as there were other reports of her behaving strangely, lately. I'm not so sure, myself. Even bipolar people in a manic phase or deep in depression will typically shut their doors and keep their pets in. And over the course of the last 20 years, there have been at least 3 unsolved murders in Athens of women who fit Cayle's description.

[misterallgood]

Misterallgood....Huff are you here?

Got your message. Been working on something else. I'm reading these posts now.

Thanx,

Steve/Mr. A

[SuziQ]

Thanks Steve, very interesting and scary. What bothers me is Cayle left everything behind.

Jinxie, no confirmation of where any of the items were found or where the sightings took place, that I can find. It seems the info regarding the ex-le ofcr is from what the roomate stated and from a shop owner and who knows where they got their info. The baton, mittens and Emerson's sunglasses could be rumor at this point. Who knows?

[cwiz24]

A new report states that the dog's name was 'Dandy', not 'Danny', and the man may have had no teeth at all. People reported seeing Meredith speaking with the man several times the day she disappeared.

http://www.wbir.com/news/regional/story.aspx?storyid=53050&provider=rss

[JinxieJada]

A new report states that the dog's name was 'Dandy', not 'Danny', and the man may have had no teeth at all. People reported seeing Meredith speaking with the man several times the day she disappeared.

http://www.wbir.com/news/regional/story.aspx?storyid=53050&provider=rss



Snip from the above article


Authorities said the man in question had a large, reddish-colored dog with him that answered to the name of "Dandy." Emerson and the man's dogs ran up the mountains near Dahlonega together, and the two were seen following their dogs Tuesday, witnesses told authorities. The man in question was spotted again Wednesday morning.



So if Im understanding this right, he was seen AFTER her car was reported to LE by the park employee right? I dunno, I can't see someone being uneasy/scared continuing to talk/hang out with someone kwim? And from the sounds of it, while not friends or probably even knowing eachother, well she let her dog go with his and play etc.(NO Im not saying/blaming her at ALL) Just stating that from what's being reported, she seemed to be "comfortable a bit with im.)Also, a 60 year old man would be no match (But again, I can be looking at this all wrong) for a girl who had all that going for her (according to family/friends reports) Noone else has come forward except the EX officer to state it looked odd/funny feeling etc correct?

I think they should be looking a little closer at a certain someone. Still have my fingers crossed that she twisted an ankle or something and will be found in a very short period of time!

Have there been dogs or anything out that have picked up her/her dogs scent. Is it possible for a dog to search for another dog like that? I mean, I know a dog can obviously "smell" another dog. But I didn't know if it would be something that would throw a dog "off course" so to speak.

[KrisNine]

According to her friend, Ella would not leave Meredith's side. However, if for some reason she did, the dog is chipped and can be traced to Meredith if Ella ends up in a shelter or at a vets office.

ETA - I realized I've already posted about the microchip...sorry

[JinxieJada]

According to her friend, Ella would not leave Meredith's side. However, if for some reason she did, the dog is chipped and can be traced to Meredith if Ella ends up in a shelter or at a vets office.

ETA - I realized I've already posted about the microchip...sorry


I know dogs can be traced back via microchip, but do all shelters (is this a rural area? It looks heavily forested etc, but that' doesn't always mean it's rural right?) have the scanners? If someone were to bring in a dead/almost dead animal do they scan those for chips too? Or only "strays"?

I'm on petfinder currently looking at postings for georgia - I know where I live, you'll frequently see posts about "Seen X animal meeting X description Running through the woods/acreage located in X area."

Likeliness is next to nil I know, but figure if the dog won't leave her side, and someone ends up finding the dog/turning it in/remembering seeing a glimpse of it somewhere, well maybe it's another stone that can be unturned.

I wish I were closer, not sure what it is about this one, but Im becoming quickly "obsessed" with it. Can't stop hitting the refresh pages here and on the news sites.

[cwiz24]

Snip from the above article
Authorities said the man in question had a large, reddish-colored dog with him that answered to the name of "Dandy." Emerson and the man's dogs ran up the mountains near Dahlonega together, and the two were seen following their dogs Tuesday, witnesses told authorities. The man in question was spotted again Wednesday morning.

So if Im understanding this right, he was seen AFTER her car was reported to LE by the park employee right? I dunno, I can't see someone being uneasy/scared continuing to talk/hang out with someone kwim? And from the sounds of it, while not friends or probably even knowing eachother, well she let her dog go with his and play etc.(NO Im not saying/blaming her at ALL) Just stating that from what's being reported, she seemed to be "comfortable a bit with im.)Also, a 60 year old man would be no match (But again, I can be looking at this all wrong) for a girl who had all that going for her (according to family/friends reports) Noone else has come forward except the EX officer to state it looked odd/funny feeling etc correct?

(1) Why would someone who had committed a crime hang around the area long enough to be seen the next day? He must know how distinctive he is, with a yellow jacket and red dog. This probably means he was (a) uninvolved in Meredith's disappearance; (b) one of those criminals who enjoy hanging out to watch LE investigate their crimes; or (c) mentally unstable.

(2) Meredith may have been able to overtake a 60-year-old, but not likely a 60-year-old armed with some sort of weapon. The best protection she had with her was her dog.

[KrisNine]

Hopefully, all of the local shelters, vets, groomers have been notified.

[JinxieJada]

[quote=cwiz24;1889171](1) Why would someone who had committed a crime hang around the area long enough to be seen the next day? He must know how distinctive he is, with a yellow jacket and red dog. This probably means he was (a) uninvolved in Meredith's disappearance; (b) one of those criminals who enjoy hanging out to watch LE investigate their crimes; or (c) mentally unstable./quote


Exactly!!!! (Couple of questions concerning him about him maybe being uninvolved at this point) If as its been stated he was there for a "couple/few days" other than seeing LE and the like, is it possible he may not know she's missing hence why he has Not come forward yet? OR if he's on another part of the trail, would he even know about LE being in the area they were originally in? (I thought I read the trail was like 6 miles, but I'm guessing if it's part of the AT that people are speaking of, it goes a much, much greater distance?

[KrisNine]

I wonder if this guy (with the dog) lives out of his van?

[cwiz24]

I think Meredith was seen on Freeman Trail, which is a 6-mile long offshoot of the AT. The AT stretches from Maine to Georgia and Blood Mountain is not far from where the trail begins/ends in GA.

[misterallgood]

I've written a brief blog entry about this -- nothing in it that'd be new to you all:

http://www.truecrimeweblog.com/2008/01/mysteriously-missing-from-blood.html

I will, however, be updating it as needed.

I'm contemplating heading up there, but don't know that I'll be able to. Especially since I might have to drive a white minivan, and even though I'm only 40 and have red hair, that'd still get me stopped at this point in the investigation, dontcha think?

Steve/Mr. A

[cwiz24]

Appalachian Trail enthusiasts have been following this story and have been posting about it here: http://www.whiteblaze.net/forum/showthread.php?t=31279

If anyone would reconize the POI, it would probably be these folks.

[Beyond Belief]

Didn't she have a cell phone? Its PING time..........

[SuziQ]

I've written a brief blog entry about this -- nothing in it that'd be new to you all:

http://www.truecrimeweblog.com/2008/01/mysteriously-missing-from-blood.html

I will, however, be updating it as needed.

I'm contemplating heading up there, but don't know that I'll be able to. Especially since I might have to drive a white minivan, and even though I'm only 40 and have red hair, that'd still get me stopped at this point in the investigation, dontcha think?

Steve/Mr. A

For gods sake, don't take a red haired dog with you. :eek:

[SuziQ]

Didn't she have a cell phone? Its PING time..........

let me go find a comment on Topix. A friend said it was fully charged and that Emerson went alone because she had an arguments with her hiking buddy. Things that make you go hmmmm.

[KrisNine]

Didn't she have a cell phone? Its PING time..........

I don't know if she had the phone with her, or if it was at home or in the car.

[misterallgood]

Appalachian Trail enthusiasts have been following this story and have been posting about it here: http://www.whiteblaze.net/forum/showthread.php?t=31279

If anyone would reconize the POI, it would probably be these folks.

Thanks, cwiz24 -- I linked that thread from my blog post, just now.

Steve/Mr. A

[cwiz24]

let me go find a comment on Topix. A friend said it was fully charged and that Emerson went alone because she had an arguments with her hiking buddy. Things that make you go hmmmm.

Another thing that struck me: Huff's newest entry (see post above) gives a link to her Myspace (which is private). But her mood is described as 'pissed off'. Last accessed the day before she disappeared.

[JinxieJada]

Steve,

Thanks for getting this up on your site.

And to both you and Cwiz- Great link - Im on page two and can't believe the details/insight the folks have about the area/trail and just general info. Looks like I have about 9 more pages to go on the thread over there, if I find anything interesting, I'll post it here. That's ok right - just as long as I give the proper linking?

[SuziQ]

Interesting comments on Topix:

Mere being a good friend of mine I can say a few things in her defense: 1)She had hiked that trail before and knew it well. 2)She had a fully charged cell phone and Ella with her, along with all the appropriate equipment 3)She had no previously planned to go alone, but had an argument with her hiking buddy earlier that day, which may have clouded her judgment when she decided to go alone.
4)She went out at noon, on a sunny day, one the most well-traveled path there. It isn't like she was out alone walking her dog at night, something I see women doing every day.

Mere is one of the most intelligent women I know. She is smart, self-possessed, and independant. I was upset, too, when I found out she went alone. They even called me, since we like to get our dogs together, to see if I had gone with her.

******

come on people ,look at what is happing,white van dogs and a connection to uga, do you think something more scary is going on ,how about the rapes this fall around uga ? all involved a white van ,what about the 29 year old woman who has gone missing in athens last week? i beleive they said a white van was in athe area then also!

http://www.topix.net/forum/source/wxia/TFV655A9SHV07T215/p2

[cwiz24]

The media must get their story straight about the POI. Was he wearing a yellow jacket or carrying a yellow backpack? I've seen both reported.

[SuziQ]

Appalachian Trail enthusiasts have been following this story and have been posting about it here: http://www.whiteblaze.net/forum/showthread.php?t=31279

If anyone would reconize the POI, it would probably be these folks.

Great find on that link! They would be in the know. The site is bogged down and I can't get in. I also can't get into Abc or Cbs atlanta. Anyone else having that problem?

[JinxieJada]

Suze,

Im not entirely sure about the other situation you mention - BUT when you put it like that I have to step back and look at the old man again. Just wondering, even though it's a bit tall, it seems he would be awfully scrawny/frail doesn't it? Would a man of those stats have the strength?

It sounds as she was well prepared obviously - anyone know anything about the cell in question? Has it been found in her car? Or would her only being a "missing person" at this point create issues in obtaining proper paperwork to look at the incoming/outgoing call detail from her provider? Has anyone seen any coordinates of where the stuff was found compared to where has been known (or at least recalled to be known)/seen on the trail?

[cwiz24]

Great find on that link! They would be in the know. The site is bogged down and I can't get in. I also can't get into Abc or Cbs atlanta. Anyone else having that problem?

No problem getting onto CBS Atlanta. In fact, their story up now introduces Meredith's boyfriend (the first I'd heard of him) as Steve Segars.

The article also states that the baton was an ASP baton: http://www.asp-net.com/batons.html
"the most tactically sophisticated impact weapon currently available to law enforcement personnel."

[misterallgood]

For gods sake, don't take a red haired dog with you. :eek:

Forgot to mention that I have a mouthful of teeth, too. But I haven't owned a red dog for more than 25 years, so I'm good. I also own a 16-year-old Acura that's dark blue. I just don't know if it'd run in weather this cold. At least run well.

I don't think my editors at Radar would be interested in a story like this, but if you all can think of a magazine where I might try and pitch an editor, pm me or reach me via my blog. (http://truecrimeweblogcontact.googlepages.com/home)

Thx,

Steve/Mr. A

[JinxieJada]

Great find on that link! They would be in the know. The site is bogged down and I can't get in. I also can't get into Abc or Cbs atlanta. Anyone else having that problem?


Im on the hikers site now - it was SLOW to load, but am having no problem loading the new pages.

http://www.whiteblaze.net/forum/showthread.php?t=31279&page=3

There's a link to page 3 of the thread, if you copy that and it takes (loads) delete the number "3" at the very end and put "1" there instead....It will take you to the 1st page of it. (Apologies if you already know that, it was a little trick DH taught me not too long ago)

[SuziQ]

Forgot to mention that I have a mouthful of teeth, too. But I haven't owned a red dog for more than 25 years, so I'm good. I also own a 16-year-old Acura that's dark blue. I just don't know if it'd run in weather this cold. At least run well.

I don't think my editors at Radar would be interested in a story like this, but if you all can think of a magazine where I might try and pitch an editor, pm me or reach me via my blog. (http://truecrimeweblogcontact.googlepages.com/home)

Thx,

Steve/Mr. A

Lol, I know you know how eye witnesses are. The red haired dog with the dude in the white van, will turn into the red haired dude in the white van. If you take the van make sure you smile and show alot of teeth. :D

[JinxieJada]

Someone on the hiker's forum (whiteblaze forums I believe) brought up a good point. If this person did in fact do something to her on the trail - he would have had to drag her etc away/off the trail (a bit graphic i know)

Again, I can't picture a 60 year old man only weighing (by description) 160 doing that while having two dogs around. (Could be wrong, but I can't see him faking it w/ his dog as the descriptions are and then harming it) BUT -going on the idea above wouldn't that be easy for a trained S/R dog to pick up if they were put in the correct area?

[TGIRecovered]

Someone on the hiker's forum (whiteblaze forums I believe) brought up a good point. If this person did in fact do something to her on the trail - he would have had to drag her etc away/off the trail (a bit graphic i know)

Again, I can't picture a 60 year old man only weighing (by description) 160 doing that while having two dogs around. (Could be wrong, but I can't see him faking it w/ his dog as the descriptions are and then harming it) BUT -going on the idea above wouldn't that be easy for a trained S/R dog to pick up if they were put in the correct area?


If the dude is a killer who lives off the land I'm sure he'd have no problem making dividing her in to more manageable pieces.

[TGIRecovered]

Forgot to mention that I have a mouthful of teeth, too. But I haven't owned a red dog for more than 25 years, so I'm good. I also own a 16-year-old Acura that's dark blue. I just don't know if it'd run in weather this cold. At least run well.

I don't think my editors at Radar would be interested in a story like this, but if you all can think of a magazine where I might try and pitch an editor, pm me or reach me via my blog. (http://truecrimeweblogcontact.googlepages.com/home)

Thx,

Steve/Mr. A


Might be interesting to borrow a red dog, or some red dog hairs for the passenger seat...see if GBI's on their toes! Don't know how you'd pass for 60 though.
Don't worry Steve, we'd vouch for ya'!
Wish I could go.

Susan

[JinxieJada]

If the dude is a killer who lives off the land I'm sure he'd have no problem making dividing her in to more manageable pieces.


I agree but even with that scenario, there still should be some type of sign correct? Especially if there is snow on the ground. But here's where my thoughts are going -

If the area is as isolated/unpopulated as Im reading, a bunch of footprints/signs of a struggle/heavy traffic I'd imagine would be seen.

IF (again that nasty two letter word lol) it's managed to be stumbled upon by those searching.

[Pharlap]

Bears shouldn't be around now, but can they?
Thinking outside the box......:twocents:

[JinxieJada]

http://www.wsbtv.com/news/14964662/detail.html

Snip -

Police say they want to talk to Gary Michael Hilton about missing hiker Meredith Emerson.

Late Thursday officials said they believe the man seen with Emerson was Gary Michael Hilton, a DeKalb County resident. Union County officials are asking anyone with information on Hilton's whereabouts to give them a call. It's possible Hilton is driving a 2000-2001 white Chevy Astro van with DeKalb County plate AFQ 1310.





Pic is at link

Im going to try to copy/paste it though





http://www.wsbtv.com/2008/0103/14973830.jpg


I did a quick search on Georgia Dept of Corrections site, played w/ the name a bit, and didn't pull anything up. BUT if this guy is a regular hiker not from the area, that wouldn't surprise me much. Wondering if I should check the states that the trail runs through? Anyone know them off the top of their heads w/o looking at the maps?

People in that area - PLEASE keep your eyes open for this vehicle, if nothing else, he can provide insight to what part of the trail they were on etc.

[KrisNine]

Slideshow of the search:

http://projects.ajc.com/gallery/view/metro/gwinnett/0103missing/

[KrisNine]

Here's a website:

http://www.helpfindmeredith.com/

[JinxieJada]

Slideshow of the search:

http://projects.ajc.com/gallery/view/metro/gwinnett/0103missing/

im just getting a blank page :(

[KrisNine]

^^that's weird. I just clicked the link again and got the slideshow. It's 7 pictures from ajc.com

I'll see if I can find another link.

The friend of Meredith's said that there are dogs searching on the mountain now. Her husband is still there and their other friends have been sent home for the evening.

[concernedperson]

New update from ajc. Her boss is saying best case scenario she is not on that mountain. Don't know why but it isn't sounding good.

http://www.ajc.com/metro/content/metro/gwinnett/stories/2008/01/02/missing_0103.html?cxntlid=homepage_tab_newstab

[concernedperson]

Now they have a pic of the person of interest and want to talk with him.

http://www.wsbtv.com/news/14964662/detail.html

[concernedperson]

This is extremely important as this may well have been an abduction. If anyone recognizes this man please call GBI or the police in Union County. Her life could be in the balance.

[JinxieJada]

This is extremely important as this may well have been an abduction. If anyone recognizes this man please call GBI or the police in Union County. Her life could be in the balance.

Concerned -


On page 4 of the thread there's a pic of him too.
There is also another plate number they've released as well as the county the plates/tags are registered to -

Snip -

Police said he was last seen driving a white Chevy Astro van. Hilton has a 1996 white van with license plate number 76APZ and a 2001 white van with plate number AFQ1310, both DeKalb County registered, police said.



I agree anyone out there who lives in the area or surrounding area please please please keep your eyes open!

[JinxieJada]

They are discussing this currently on the show if anyone is interested in watching it. I missed the first half hour or so of the show, but will do some quick notes on the rest.

[reb]

I have a gut feeling she was taken away from the trail. Most abductors/rapists are not going to do what they do in a very uncomfortable environment, right? And if it was that cold there at the time, he probably took her somewhere else. Also why else would the police baton and sunglasses be left by her car? I wish they had said- were the items placed there neatly or did it seem like they were tossed on the ground in a hurry (as if a struggle had taken place)? That to me seems very important. Also, was it ever determined if they were her sunglasses? And have they done a background check on him? Does he have a record?

[JinxieJada]

Roommate is reporting that she's been hiking the trail for 3 years and was only supposed to be out for a day hike. She did know it was going to be windy. States that searchers have been searching more treacherous terrain off the trails (typing and listening so this isn't verbatim)

Roommate is saying she's smart, and is aware of the dangers of strangers etc. Has a great mind, and would realize if something was out of sort. (concerning her conversations with the person of interest)

[JinxieJada]

Union county has had dogs up there starting downhill and going north. Most other searches have started north coming downhill.

Nobody has been able to locate her cell phone and/or ID, they can't confirm or deny whether she had them on her person, but they have not been found in or around the car or at her home. Phone is currently going to voicemail. Stating with it being off, did someone take it, turn it off, and dump it, or it simply a factor of it being out of range/no signal.

Talking about the POI - He's a resident of an Atlanta suburb. They discovered him by the plate number that someone turned in. The picture released via the media is his current driver's license. He is NOT a suspect, but a person of interest.

Asking everyone to be on the lookout for both/either vehicle since it could be out of the area/state by now.

[concernedperson]

Roommate is reporting that she's been hiking the trail for 3 years and was only supposed to be out for a day hike. She did know it was going to be windy. States that searchers have been searching more treacherous terrain off the trails (typing and listening so this isn't verbatim)

Roommate is saying she's smart, and is aware of the dangers of strangers etc. Has a great mind, and would realize if something was out of sort. (concerning her conversations with the person of interest)

The baton referenced would be a debilitating blow if it was used even to the most experienced. What if she was wisked away in the van after he clubbed her? This means searchers are risking their own health and safety. I think it extremely important that they are looking for this Hilton man. I would be surprised if the searches on the mountain continue tomorrow given this info.

[JinxieJada]

on commercial break right now -

but a couple articles are stating that investigators in another case in NC about a missing couple (one was found the other wasn't? Not familiar but maybe someone else is) the suspect that was recorded on video pulling money out of there account was wearing a yellow jacket.

The POI in Meredith's case was also wearing a yellow jacket w/ black patches.

Nothing certain, but being looked at.


Off of commercial break -

[reb]

Sad to think you can't even go for a hike in a beautiful wooded park now, w/o some scumbag attacking you. Women especially, should never ever ever EVER go alone!!!

[JinxieJada]

They are doing a 24 hour search now. The alerted the GBI and they have taken possession of Meridith's car.


Talking about the dogs. Since there are two other dogs involved they think/are hopeful that the dogs will pick up on one of them. Also looking for dog tracks.

Large reddish dog - stating setter/lab/mix etc. No definete breed known at this time.

Thinking that until tonight, POI may not have been aware he is being looked for...Stating he will hopefully contact police guilty or not, because everyone knows he is being looked for.

**note Im sorry I didn't grab names of those that were on the show. But when I'm stating "they" Im talking about the people being interviewed on the show**

[concernedperson]

Sad to think you can't even go for a hike in a beautiful wooded park now, w/o some scumbag attacking you. Women especially, should never ever ever EVER go alone!!!

It happened in Cobb County too. They caught the guy but the victim was murdered.

[Mygirlsadie]

I agree with you Reb. It is very sad... I am female and I love to go on long walks alone with my dog. It's my time alone and I enjoy it. Unfortunately I am too scared to do that anymore. Hmmm are the criminals winning here?!




Sad to think you can't even go for a hike in a beautiful wooded park now, w/o some scumbag attacking you. Women especially, should never ever ever EVER go alone!!!

[SuziQ]

I found this regarding the phone. If it was charged, it should not have gone straight to voicemail right?:

http://www.myfoxatlanta.com/myfox/pages/Home/Detail?contentId=5381924&version=12&locale=EN-US&layoutCode=TSTY&pageId=1.1.1

When Emerson did not show up for work on Wednesday, her roommate said she knew something was wrong.

“That’s when I immediately knew because she would never miss work,” said Julia Karren Baur.

When Emerson's friends tried to call her, her cell phone went straight to voicemail so they decided to go search the woods for her.

[JinxieJada]

I found this regarding the phone. If it was charged, it should not have gone straight to voicemail right?:

http://www.myfoxatlanta.com/myfox/pages/Home/Detail?contentId=5381924&version=12&locale=EN-US&layoutCode=TSTY&pageId=1.1.1

When Emerson did not show up for work on Wednesday, her roommate said she knew something was wrong.

“That’s when I immediately knew because she would never miss work,” said Julia Karren Baur.

When Emerson's friends tried to call her, her cell phone went straight to voicemail so they decided to go search the woods for her.



When they were discussing it on nancy, they stated that if someone turned the phone off and/or dumped it would be one scenario OR it could be that she is somewhere on the mountain where no signal would occur. I know when I moved up here from the city, my cell lost signal and while it still worked for people to call me, it would go straight to voicemail vs ringing through etc.

[SuziQ]

I'm wondering who and how the connection was made to Hilton. The reason I say this is we would remember something in hindsight, but would we remember a license plate number? What prompted someone to note the license plate number to begin with and why? What did they see and where? A van involved in a case like this is never good. The van(s) have to be licensed to an address. And yet, LE still can't find him?

[JinxieJada]

Not sure if this is fact or not, but on nancy's show, they were talking about the traced him back via plate/tag not sure if it was a partial or what. They don't know if he knew originally that LE was looking for him. Hoping that he will contact LE now that his name/info has been released. As I stated earlier, the pic released of him is supposedly his current License photo.

On another note -

Someone by the name "Thefirstdiane" posted this On steve's site in the comment section. Not sure again, if it's fact or not. But seen it, and thought it was interesting. I'm going to google the counties mentioned and see if their court cases are online and see if anything else comes up. Here's what the poster left

Hilton has old theft charges in Dekalb and solictation in Cobb County.


I know that it would be tenuous, but has anyone in LE contacted the vets in the County the POI lives in to see if anyone has treated the dog or one that matches the name/description? I know that when I worked at a vets long ago, we could search different ways, owners name, pets name, breed, phone number etc. If someone hasn't done this, I'll do it and just forward anything to LE down there.


Solicitation is looking for a prostitute or a similiar situation right?

[JinxieJada]

While searching the counties mentioned and surrounding counties here's what Ifound so far


http://www.ojs.dekalbga.org/servlet/page?_pageid=65,289&_dad=portal30&_schema=PORTAL30&dcms.exact_last=ON&dcms.spriden_id=%40241260&dcms.case_type=&dcms.to_date=12%2F31%2F2090&dcms.from_date=01%2F01%2F1900&dcms.last_name=HILTON&dcms.first_name=GARY&dcms.case_status=ALL&dcms.cort_code=&dcms.soundex=&dcms.case_id=01V75298&dcms.ent_code=COURTS&dcms.pstart=0

Case regarding him and a towing company. Looks like it was about an abandoned vehicle. Unfortunately when I click the link to his name which sometimes pulls up contact info (it has spaces listed for email/phone/address) there is nothing.

(I was actually going to call if a number is listed to let him know that he's being looked for LOL)

I can't seem to locate an online case search for Cobb county. Found the site, but can't seem to search, If anyone figures out how, will you please run this person's name to see what - if anything pops up about him?

[misterallgood]

Not sure if this is fact or not, but on nancy's show, they were talking about the traced him back via plate/tag not sure if it was a partial or what. They don't know if he knew originally that LE was looking for him. Hoping that he will contact LE now that his name/info has been released. As I stated earlier, the pic released of him is supposedly his current License photo.

On another note -

Someone by the name "Thefirstdiane" posted this On steve's site in the comment section. Not sure again, if it's fact or not. But seen it, and thought it was interesting. I'm going to google the counties mentioned and see if their court cases are online and see if anything else comes up. Here's what the poster left

Hilton has old theft charges in Dekalb and solictation in Cobb County.


I know that it would be tenuous, but has anyone in LE contacted the vets in the County the POI lives in to see if anyone has treated the dog or one that matches the name/description? I know that when I worked at a vets long ago, we could search different ways, owners name, pets name, breed, phone number etc. If someone hasn't done this, I'll do it and just forward anything to LE down there.


Solicitation is looking for a prostitute or a similiar situation right?

Diane's incredibly reliable, so always pay attention when she has such posts up. Solicitation is him looking to pay a prostitute, that's right.

Steve/Mr. A

[SuziQ]

I found this. I'll include the link but they usually don't work. 21 counts and a search warrant for solicitation? This is from 1994:

http://www.cobbsuperiorcourtclerk.org/scripts/courtscr.dll/CriminalDetail?caseno=94900196&source=/CriminalByName

Criminal Case Number: 94900196 - 07 (http://www.cobbsuperiorcourtclerk.org/scripts/courtsfi.dll/FinesByCase?caseno=94900196&source=/CriminalByName&color=6) Case Type: INDICTMENTSTATE v HILTON GARY MICHAELJudge: HINES Filing Date: 01/20/1994

[SuziQ]

Fines Gary paid for solicitation:

http://www.cobbsuperiorcourtclerk.org/scripts/courtsfi.dll/FinesDetail?caseno=94900196-1&source=/FinesByName

[concernedperson]

It so appears he is a sexual predator. I hope Meredith is OK but it isn't looking good for that.

[misterallgood]

All, I heard from a friend of Meredith's (proved it, too). She said that she'd watched the Nancy Grace show and they'd muddled the details of the story a little, "especially about whether or not a baton was found and turned in with the leash and water bottles."

This person spoke with the Mountain Crossing shop employee yesterday. The baton was definitely turned in by a hiker along with the bottles, leash, and men's sunglasses.

Meredith's friend also said that as far as she knew there were 5 people who saw Meredith either speaking with or near someone fitting Hilton's description. A mutual friend of my source's and Meredith's was also hiking the trail around 10 on the morning of the 1st and saw Hilton "hanging around with his dog in the trailhead parking lot..."

My source happened to be a regular reader of my blog, so it must have been really strange to see her friend in an entry there.

Steve/Mr. A

[SuziQ]

Abandoned vehicle case in DeKalb County:

http://tinyurl.com/2fjvvr

[cwiz24]

Abandoned vehicle case in DeKalb County:

http://tinyurl.com/2fjvvr

Can't access link

[txsvicki]

It happened in Cobb County too. They caught the guy but the victim was murdered.

Do you mean the case where the elderly lady was murdered on the trail and her husband is missing, then the suspect showed up at an ATM wearing the husband's yellow jacket with duct tape around the waist?

[SuziQ]

Theft by deception and posession of marijuana:

http://tinyurl.com/23v5wk

Theft by taking:

http://tinyurl.com/2czm25

[SuziQ]

Can't access link

It's still opening for me. What kind of page are you getting?

[cwiz24]

It's still opening for me. What kind of page are you getting?

It's a sign-in page for an Oracle database.

[JinxieJada]

Do you mean the case where the elderly lady was murdered on the trail and her husband is missing, then the suspect showed up at an ATM wearing the husband's yellow jacket with duct tape around the waist?

yes! i think thats it! they didn't mention it was the husbands jacket though.

[SuziQ]

It's a sign-in page for an Oracle database.

Dang, I was afraid that would happen. I don't want to copy and paste the info, just in case it's not him and just in case he's not criminally involved in this case.

[cwiz24]

yes! i think thats it!

I don't think they found that guy yet (the victim or the perp). the female victim has been found dead.

[SuziQ]

Should I copy and past the info if it lets me?

[cwiz24]

Dang, I was afraid that would happen. I don't want to copy and paste the info, just in case it's not him and just in case he's not criminally involved in this case.

Good point. I would wait too until we have more info from LE.

[concernedperson]

This case gets more strange by the minute.

http://www.ajc.com/metro/content/metro/gwinnett/stories/2008/01/03/missinghiker_0104_web.html

[cwiz24]

Should I copy and past the info if it lets me?

I wouldn't. Innocent until proven guilty (or at least until the majority of evidence points to him). Others may feel differently, but WS is a well-read website by media and family members. Good find, though!!

[SuziQ]

I'm going to copy and past to word for future reference. But I'm finding alot of stuff on this guy. Seems to have kept his nose clean the past 10 years or so. Or he got smarter. Let's just say LE is probably aware of this guy. Since 1979 thefts of several types, hit and run, arson, drug posession,

[JinxieJada]

This case gets more strange by the minute.

http://www.ajc.com/metro/content/metro/gwinnett/stories/2008/01/03/missinghiker_0104_web.html




This is what I was talking about when I caught the glimpses of there being a "possible" link!!!

[JinxieJada]

I'm going to copy and past to word for future reference. But I'm finding alot of stuff on this guy. Seems to have kept his nose clean the past 10 years or so. Or he got smarter. Let's just say LE is probably aware of this guy. Since 1979 thefts of several types, hit and run, arson, drug posession,


Suz, can you direct me on where to go/what I did wrong to access the site? I couldn't find anywhere to seach just the general links...Thanks in advance!

[MrsG728]

Sounds like they're gathering evidence on this Hilton guy possibly being a serial killer.
They should send a decoy onto the trail to see if he appears.... I am keeping close tabs on this story. I am wondering where the dog is...
MG

[SuziQ]

Suz, can you direct me on where to go/what I did wrong to access the site? I couldn't find anywhere to seach just the general links...Thanks in advance!


I think I just got lucky and went to the right place. I'm copying everything to Word right now as things seem to go poof. I'll come back when I'm done (I've only searched two counties so far) and figure out how to get everyone the info without getting into trouble. BRB.

PS. This case is getting scary, IMO.

ETA: I bet GBI locks his records soon.

[happy2bn10ec]

I live within minutes of the AT in three different directions and very near Damascus, VA (supposedly the only town directly on the Trail) where they have Trail Days every May. I have gotten to know several thru-hikers at the campground where we stay. This is just awful - if there is any possiblity of her not being a victim of foul play, I don't see how anyone could survive with the weather the last few days where she is.

I don't really have anything to add except I wish I could go help search.

[Spazkat9696]

This is looking bad. I had hoped she had just gotten lost, but now I'm fearing the worst.

[JinxieJada]

I think I just got lucky and went to the right place. I'm copying everything to Word right now as things seem to go poof. I'll come back when I'm done (I've only searched two counties so far) and figure out how to get everyone the info without getting into trouble. BRB.

PS. This case is getting scary, IMO.

ETA: I bet GBI locks his records soon.


Suze,

When you get back and see this please check your pm's!

Thanks,
Lisa

[SuziQ]

My source happened to be a regular reader of my blog, so it must have been really strange to see her friend in an entry there.

Steve/Mr. A

That's actually a fear of mine and probably for many of your readers! Thanks for the info. So if this guy was still hanging around the next morning, and if he's involved, then whatever happened probably happened very near there. I would think he'd be crazy to hang around that long.

I wonder if Hilton and the baton dude is one and the same.

[SuziQ]

A link to a blog about the Bryant's, picture and timeline included. Very cute couple.

http://www.dreamindemon.com/2007/11/18/irene-bryant-murdered-john-bryant-missing/

John Bryant's FBI page:

http://www.fbi.gov/wanted/kidnap/bryant_jd.htm

[SuziQ]

I found a link to the Bryant case ATM/Yellow jacket pics at the InSession board:

http://www.wyff4.com/slideshow/news/14585610/detail.html

Here is the link to InSession:

http://boards.insessiontrials.com/showthread.php?threadid=317986

[SuziQ]

A ton of info, pics and videos on the Bryant case at this link:

http://www.wyff4.com/news/14585002/detail.html

[JinxieJada]

A link to a blog about the Bryant's, picture and timeline included. Very cute couple.

http://www.dreamindemon.com/2007/11/18/irene-bryant-murdered-john-bryant-missing/

John Bryant's FBI page:

http://www.fbi.gov/wanted/kidnap/bryant_jd.htm


This is the couple that have the possible yellow jacket link right? Wanting to make sure I keep it all straight in my head. It's on info overload at the moment!:crazy:

[SuziQ]

This is the couple that have the possible yellow jacket link right? Wanting to make sure I keep it all straight in my head. It's on info overload at the moment!:crazy:

Yes, the Bryant's. Here is another link with great info:

http://www.citizen-times.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20071114/NEWS01/71113131/1260

[MeoW333]

Looking at this case objectively, it doesn't not seem strange to me that Meredith would be seen talking and hiking with Gary Hilton (61 years old; he may have stamina, more so than strength if he is an avid hiker). I've went hiking before (never alone) and i've brought my dog many times (she is one that i would never let off the leash). On many hikes, we've encountered others hiking with dogs also, some taking a spot right next to us to swim with their dogs. I could see Meredith having a conversation with Hilton, as they both had there dogs in common and for conversation. Many people let their dogs off the leash hiking, yet never take the collar off. If the dog is welled trained enough, they let them off the leash.
I've also seen many people carry things sticklike in nature hiking (even many cases walking down the street) in case they have to fend off an attacker or animal attacking.

Hilton's garb doesn't seem unrealistic to me. It sounds like having been an avid hiker, he set out preparing for all sorts of scenarios. The backpack seems to be described as the large camping/hiking style ones that almost have the metal rack for your back and a sleeping bag attachment. The yellow jacket (also common in the elderly's couple case) is practical to wear while hiking, as it provides high visibility in case of bad weather or hunters. Would a person suspect in both cases be stupid enough to wear a similiar jacket? Hilton has a rap sheet, yet has been clean for the past 10 years. With him having a backpack that large on and his age and stature (6 feet yet 160lbs, is smaller size for his frame) i don't imagine it would be easy for him to win a fight against Meredith weighted down. Hilton was also lingering around that area, many people would have spotted him in bright yellow and with his dog. It's not like he was trying to blend in or not be spotted. He appeared not to care. Anything is possible, i'm just throwing some things out into the open here.

Then there's the ex cop witness. He got a funny feeling about seeing Meredith and Hilton hiking together. Well from his cop experience, wouldn't it make sense to trail them or engage in conversation and hike with them if he was so suspicious about them? I agree with Reb on this..
Then to top things off later the ex cop witness finds the items at the scene and turns them in. Did he not think for a second after his gut was at first telling him something wasn't right that he was destroying a potential crime scene? Not to mention did he have gloves on or was he barehanded, as his prints would then be on the evidence turned in, or could have messed up the prints already on the items found. The baton found was ASP available only to law enforcement. Also, at what points did the excop witness see Meredith and the hiker? If he saw them while hiking, got an uneasy feeling since the man was carrying a police baton and was obviously not a cop, why didn't he follow them??!! Then when returns to the parking area he sees the items by the car. Did anyone else see Hilton with a baton? Any other witnesses?

I don't believe Meredith is still on the mountain. With Ella's leash being found near the car and the water bottle.. She seems to love Ella, and i doubt she would just leave the leash behind, and then start hiking. I think whoever kidnapped her, waited until she got to the car, grabbed her, either set Ella off the leash.. I am glad to hear Ella is microchipped, i think Ella is a huge part of this case and will help solve it. I wonder if Meredith was abducted and is somewhere around the county area, will Ella attempt to make it to her? Being a dog owner myself, there is such devotion..

I know that the yellow jackets are similiar in the two cases; yet would a person involved in both stick around the same area and wear the same style/color jacket? That seems like pure stupidity to me.
Then we have the ex cop muddling up the crime scene when he thought it suspicious to begin with..
Something doesn't fit here..

[SuziQ]

From the below link regarding Hilton's residence:

Authorities in DeKalb County, however, said Hilton is not believed to reside in the county.

http://www.cnn.com/2008/US/01/03/missing.hiker/index.html

[SuziQ]

Witnesses in Emerson's case should be able to quickly id or not, the jacket in the Bryant case. And from what I gather, Emerson's dog was well trained, to be a therapy dog in fact.

[JinxieJada]

Looking at this case objectively, it doesn't not seem strange to me that Meredith would be seen talking and hiking with Gary Hilton (61 years old; he may have stamina, more so than strength if he is an avid hiker). I've went hiking before (never alone) and i've brought my dog many times (she is one that i would never let off the leash). On many hikes, we've encountered others hiking with dogs also, some taking a spot right next to us to swim with their dogs. I could see Meredith having a conversation with Hilton, as they both had there dogs in common and for conversation. Many people let their dogs off the leash hiking, yet never take the collar off. If the dog is welled trained enough, they let them off the leash.
I've also seen many people carry things sticklike in nature hiking (even many cases walking down the street) in case they have to fend off an attacker or animal attacking.

Hilton's garb doesn't seem unrealistic to me. It sounds like having been an avid hiker, he set out preparing for all sorts of scenarios. The backpack seems to be described as the large camping/hiking style ones that almost have the metal rack for your back and a sleeping bag attachment. The yellow jacket (also common in the elderly's couple case) is practical to wear while hiking, as it provides high visibility in case of bad weather or hunters. Would a person suspect in both cases be stupid enough to wear a similiar jacket? Hilton has a rap sheet, yet has been clean for the past 10 years. With him having a backpack that large on and his age and stature (6 feet yet 160lbs, is smaller size for his frame) i don't imagine it would be easy for him to win a fight against Meredith weighted down. Hilton was also lingering around that area, many people would have spotted him in bright yellow and with his dog. It's not like he was trying to blend in or not be spotted. He appeared not to care. Anything is possible, i'm just throwing some things out into the open here.

Then there's the ex cop witness. He got a funny feeling about seeing Meredith and Hilton hiking together. Well from his cop experience, wouldn't it make sense to trail them or engage in conversation and hike with them if he was so suspicious about them? I agree with Reb on this..
Then to top things off later the ex cop witness finds the items at the scene and turns them in. Did he not think for a second after his gut was at first telling him something wasn't right that he was destroying a potential crime scene? Not to mention did he have gloves on or was he barehanded, as his prints would then be on the evidence turned in, or could have messed up the prints already on the items found. The baton found was ASP available only to law enforcement. Also, at what points did the excop witness see Meredith and the hiker? If he saw them while hiking, got an uneasy feeling since the man was carrying a police baton and was obviously not a cop, why didn't he follow them??!! Then when returns to the parking area he sees the items by the car. Did anyone else see Hilton with a baton? Any other witnesses?

I don't believe Meredith is still on the mountain. With Ella's leash being found near the car and the water bottle.. She seems to love Ella, and i doubt she would just leave the leash behind, and then start hiking. I think whoever kidnapped her, waited until she got to the car, grabbed her, either set Ella off the leash.. I am glad to hear Ella is microchipped, i think Ella is a huge part of this case and will help solve it. I wonder if Meredith was abducted and is somewhere around the county area, will Ella attempt to make it to her? Being a dog owner myself, there is such devotion..

I know that the yellow jackets are similiar in the two cases; yet would a person involved in both stick around the same area and wear the same style/color jacket? That seems like pure stupidity to me.
Then we have the ex cop muddling up the crime scene when he thought it suspicious to begin with..
Something doesn't fit here..

some very good thoughts. I also think ella will be a key factor in Meredith's being found/discovered. The rest I'm still not sure about one way or another. I will find it odd if someone does not hear from this man very, very, soon, considering he is all over the media right now. SOMEONE has to know him somewhere. (caps for emphasis not shouting) And those someone's should have at least one way to get in contact with this person.

If he does in fact come forward (and I have every toe and finger crossed that he does, and it was just a meetup on the trail between dog owners/hikers etc) whether he was involved negatively or not, I think he can provide valuable insight about the situation.

[MeoW333]

I don't think it's the same jacket, if i recall an article said the one Hilton had, had black elbow patches on it; as opposed to the one in the surveillance videos stills that didn't appear to have black patches. I'm sure they could be sewed on, yet i doubt anyone would go through the trouble.
This case is so mind boggling..
I really wish it was a case where they could just find her and Ella safe under a manmade shelter she to stay out of the storm..
I really think Ella will help, if Meredith was abducted which appears the case at this point, i doubt the suspect would have brought Ella also. Is Ella out there somewhere right now, tracking her mother? Dogs have been know to travel states to return to owners. Even if Ella has never been to where Meredith is, she might still be able to get to her with success. She's well trained, SuziQ, said she's a therapy dog, the bond is so strong between dog and owner also..
I'm praying...

[JinxieJada]

Witnesses in Emerson's case should be able to quickly id or not, the jacket in the Bryant case. And from what I gather, Emerson's dog was well trained, to be a therapy dog in fact.

I don't know either way on the cases being related BUT, I did see the surveillance photos and to me the person in them seems like it is a younger person. They almost look like they are throwing their posture off a bit (It seems they are hunched "down" a bit at the knee and waist if that makes sense?) and they seem a bit taller than 5'10.

But it could also be that I'm just trying to be optimistic and don't want to face that they (crimes) may be related. Im still hoping that it was nothing more than innocent chatter amongst a couple of people that had common interests. I know it doesn't look that way at the moment. but we can always hope....right?

[MeoW333]

some very good thoughts. I also think ella will be a key factor in Meredith's being found/discovered. The rest I'm still not sure about one way or another. I will find it odd if someone does not hear from this man very, very, soon, considering he is all over the media right now. SOMEONE has to know him somewhere. (caps for emphasis not shouting) And those someone's should have at least one way to get in contact with this person.

If he does in fact come forward (and I have every toe and finger crossed that he does, and it was just a meetup on the trail between dog owners/hikers etc) whether he was involved negatively or not, I think he can provide valuable insight about the situation.

Jada, it sounds like he's a drifter, maybe he's living out of his vans in a lot somewhere or random areas where he won't get kicked out of for being a car transient.. I hope they find him, so if anything we can at least get his take on this whole situation.. He's got ties to Ga, he had to live in Ga to have the license there; maybe he got down on his luck so is living out of his vans. If he is transient, then it is very possible he has no idea people are looking for him. If he has a van campsite in some rural area, then he's not going to have a tv and get the newspapers.
Are there places in the county where transients are permitted to camp, or wouldn't be kicked out, or any areas he would stay where the people wouldn't notice or care? ..guessing he's living out of his van..

[JinxieJada]

Jada, it sounds like he's a drifter, maybe he's living out of his vans in a lot somewhere or random areas where he won't get kicked out of for being a car transient.. I hope they find him, so if anything we can at least get his take on this whole situation.. He's got ties to Ga, he had to live in Ga to have the license there; maybe he got down on his luck so is living out of his vans. If he is transient, then it is very possible he has no idea people are looking for him. If he has a van campsite in some rural area, then he's not going to have a tv and get the newspapers.
Are there places in the county where transients are permitted to camp, or wouldn't be kicked out, or any areas he would stay where the people wouldn't notice or care? ..guessing he's living out of his van..


There is an address in Marietta (sp?) that has appeared a couple of different times throughout the years w/ him being registered to. If anyone is familiar w/ the area. How far away is that to where he was seen hiking/talking to meredith? If it's a semi far distance - is it possible he went on the trail for a couple days (as witnesses described his pack would generally be used for) and was in transit back to that area when the description (not his identity) was released?


Trying to play devils advocate w/ myself so I don't slaughter/convict this guy w/o "due process" so to speak. I think it looks very bad for him based on his past record/events. BUT there is still an inkling of me that just doesn't see it happening. (Just based on age/physical description compared to Meredith's etc, interactions based on witness accounts, the only one I've seen negatively was the ex-cops, the rest if I've read them correctly, only confirm that she was spotted talking to him, with their dogs etc. If one were going to do harm to someone, wouldn't you NOT want to be seen by everyone and their brother so to speak?)


Another scenario someone brought up, is, aren't hikers etc told if you're injured/lost/whatnot to "shelter in place" Is it possible they are sheltered somewhere on the trail, and playing by that rule? Could it be an innocent interaction and she just got hit w/ the weather her temp dropped (I understand she was dressed for the weather etc) and she became disorientated? Not likely, but even experienced people can run into issues right?


**When I mention "You" I'm not referring to anyone/calling anyone out individually, just using it for the general context**

[Elphaba]

The dog: has LE made a point of getting her pic and description out? she could easily be taken in by someone thinking she was a stray, if they saw her wandering around. Sure, the microchip is in her, but not a whole lot of people that take in strays head straight to the vet with them. If they could run a picture of Ella asking the community if they have seen or come across a wandering dog that could be her, during the news spots about Meredith, it could be helpful.

Or maybe they are doing it... but I haven't seen anything indepth like what I am referring to in the news reports I have read and seen.

[MountainMama]

Let me throw out a few possible scenarios here:

1. Meredith was going hiking with someone else on New Years Day. They got into a fight. Are you picturing a female "someone else" here, cause I'm sure as heck not. Sounds to me like this companion was a male. Who knows how bad the fight was, maybe this person went after her to continue the fight and things got out of hand.

2. Maybe after the fight, her judgement was clouded and she didn't use the same caution in talking to Hilton as she normally would.

3. She had let her dog go off leash. Maybe the dog spotted a rabbit or squirrel and took off, she ran after the dog and was injured. This would explain why the dog hasn't been found, often dogs will stay by their owners till the end.

4. Its not entirely uncommon for hikers to go missing. She could just be lost.

[JinxieJada]

The dog: has LE made a point of getting her pic and description out? she could easily be taken in by someone thinking she was a stray, if they saw her wandering around. Sure, the microchip is in her, but not a whole lot of people that take in strays head straight to the vet with them. If they could r