Prosecutors in Florida are seeking the death penalty for Gary Michael Hilton who has been charged with the death of hiker Cheryl Dunlap. He was indicted on charges of murder, kidnapping, and two counts of grand theft in Dunlap’s death last year.
Hilton, 61, is already serving life in prison for the murder of Georgia hiker Meredith Emerson in January of this year. He met Emerson hiking on New Years Day. After he confessed to her murder he led police to her decapitated body in North Georgia mountains in exchange for prosecutors not seeking the death penalty. He received life in prison in Emerson’s case.
Dunlap’s body was found in a Florida national forest. No details have been released on how the 46-year-old died. Authorities say Hilton was in the area at the time of the murder as a forestry agent ran his tag through police database.
Assistant state attorney William Meggs says Hilton is “very worthy of [the] death [penalty.] Prosecutors are hoping to have Hilton moved to Florida within the next few weeks to face the charges. The investigation is on going.
Hilton is also a suspect in the death of two North Carolina hikers. John and Irene Bryant disappeared while hiking in Pisgah National Forest. Their bodies were found in the forest.
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