01/05/08

Officials said they had found Emerson's 1-year-old dog "Ella" at a Kroger store in Forsyth County on Friday, about 50 miles away from the search area. They said that the dog was positively identified by a microchip implant by a veterinarian.

"Meredith was not with him," Union County investigator Kimberly Verdone said.

"Late this afternoon we had a lady who located a dog that was wandering around in the parking lot. In an attempt to find shelter for the dog, she picked the dog up. There happens to be a veterinary office about two blocks from the Kroger store. She took the dog down to the veterinary office in an attempt to find it some shelter. Once inside the office, it's my understanding that somebody inside the office recognized that this dog was very similar in appearance to the one that has been in the news media with the missing hiker case. As a result, the veterinary office contacted Union County authorities. (They said) the dog had a computer chip to help locate it. The vet did have the capability and equipment to check that, and did in fact confirm that it was the dog that belonged to the missing hiker," said Forsyth County Sheriff Ted Paxton.

Forsyth County investigators said that some of Emerson's personal effects were found in a dumpster outside a Quik Trip gas station across from the Kroger store, which is on Keith Bridge Road, just off Georgia 400.

Paxton said the area around the Kroger store has become a major investigative focus. Investigators have been combing the area, looking for surveillance tape and anyone who may have seen anything that may help the investigation.

"Six four-man search and rescue teams are in the woods right now searching for her," said Verdone.


Possible and frighteningly of note: When they found GMH, his van (The van that had been at the park) was parked at the car vacuums, not the pumps. How often do you think this guy decides to vacuum his van?