Hilton pleads guilty, gets life for killing hiker

Gary Michael Hilton pleaded guilty Thursday to killing hiker Meredith Emerson, and was sentenced to life in prison.

Hilton, 61, wore an orange jumpsuit and bulletproof vest as he sat somberly through the sentencing.

He was charged with kidnapping with intent to harm and malice murder in Emerson's January 4 death.

The 24-year-old University of Georgia graduate disappeared on New Year's Day while on a hike in the North Georgia mountains with her dog.

Emerson's parents gave emotional statements in court.

http://edition.cnn.com/2008/CRIME/01/31/hilton.plea/index.html