Hiker Meredith Emerson Missing on Blood Mountain in Union County, Georgia

Police Now Suspect Foul Play in Her Disappearance

On January 1, Meredith Emerson of Gwinnett County, Georgia, disappeared while hiking on the Appalachian Trail on Blood Mountain in Union County, Georgia. Police now believe that Emerson, 24, could be the victim of foul play. Emerson is 5'4", 120 pounds with blonde hair and blue eyes and was accompanied by her black Labrador, Ella.

Meredith Emerson Missing: The "Weathered Man"

WSB-TV in Atlanta, Georgia reports that Emerson was seen by other hikers in the company of a man between the ages of 50 and 60 with what witnesses describe as a "weathered" look. The suspect, who was driving a white minivan, is approximately 5'10" in height, weighs 160 pounds and is missing some teeth. He also had a red dog with him that he called "Dandy," but the Associated Press reports that this person of interest called his pet "Danny."

WSB-TV also reported that a police baton and sunglasses were found near Emerson's car, which was found covered in snow on the trailhead parking lot. Another hiker on Blood Mountain Trail reported seeing a man with a similar police baton clipped to his belt.

Meredith Emerson Missing: Temporarily Stopped Due to Darkness

WXIA Channel 11 in Mobile, Alabama reports that after calling off the search because of darkness and cold weather on Wednesday evening, officials have resumed their search for Meredith Emerson. Police have asked that other hikers stay off the trail so they may use an infrared sensor to detect body heat.

Meredith Emerson Missing: "No signs of foul play."

The Associated Press reports that Union County Fire Department spokesman Lieutenant Jeff Fortenberry said that up to 30 emergency personnel and deputies are searching a mountainous, six-mile stretch of trails south of Blairsville. He said that investigators have found no signs of foul play.

Meredith Emerson Missing: "Athletic"

The Ledger-Enquirer in Columbus, Georgia reports that Julia Karrenbauer, Emerson's roommate, said that Meredith Emerson has a blue belt in martial arts. "She's athletic and has a good head on her shoulders. So we're just hoping for the best," Karrenbauer said.