Hilton pleads guilty, gets life in prison.

Hilton pleads guilty, gets life for killing hiker

ATLANTA, Georgia (CNN) -- Gary Michael Hilton pleaded guilty Thursday to killing hiker Meredith Emerson, and was sentenced to life in prison.

Gary Michael Hilton was escorted into court Thursday under heavy security.

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.

"I feel that no punishment for Mr. Hilton is too great," said her father, David Emerson. "I only pray that he suffers immensely for his heinous acts."

Susan Emerson, the victim's mother, said she was not sorry that prosecutors took the death penalty off the table.

"I feel like he should stay alive and slowly rot," she said. "As far as I am concerned, there is no such thing as justice in this case. Nothing will bring our daughter back."

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