May 2, 2008

JACKSON, Ga.---Gary Hilton has admitted killing Georgia hiker Meredith Emerson and is now serving a life sentence in a Butts County prison.

At a court hearing Friday, Hilton represented himself in a bid not to be sent to Leon County, Florida to face trial for the killing of another hiker in that area. The Judge ruled against him.

However, Hilton has 30 days to appeal the judge's order.

Florida officials have not said yet if they will seek the death penalty against the drifter for that crime last year.

Hilton is also a suspect in the killings of an elderly North Carolina couple.