In a chilling and exclusive interview with Court TV‘s investigative reporter David Scott, Gary Michael Hilton, one of the oldest living serial killers in the United States, has confessed to the murder of Cheryl Dunlap, a nurse killed in 2007. Hilton, now 78, was convicted of killing four people during his spree across Florida, North Carolina, and Georgia, but until now, he had never admitted to the brutal slaying of Dunlap. This marks his first public admission of guilt for the 2007 crime, which had long remained unsolved in his own confession.
A Sinister Legacy of Violence
Known as the National Forest Serial Killer, Hilton’s reign of terror spanned several years in the late 2000s, where he terrorized victims in national parks. His previous confessions included the murders of three victims, but Dunlap’s case had never been fully addressed — until this explosive interview, which is sure to send shockwaves through the world of true crime.
The Exclusive Confession
The interview kicks off with Scott describing Hilton’s horrific nature, noting how the serial killer has had a particularly disturbing history with women. Hilton seems to revel in the attention, showing little remorse for his actions as he sits across from Scott. When the discussion turns to Cheryl Dunlap’s case, Hilton wastes no time revealing the shocking truth.
For 17 years, he kept the secret to himself, but now, with his life nearing its end, Hilton is ready to unload the truth. He confesses to the brutal kidnapping and dismemberment of Dunlap, who was a devout Christian. The confession comes amid an ongoing appeal of his case, but Hilton doesn’t seem to be bothered by any legal proceedings, as he continues his admission of guilt, adding further darkness to his already grisly legacy.
Hilton’s Health and Motivation to Confess
In the interview, Hilton speaks candidly about his deteriorating health. Suffering from congestive heart failure, Hilton acknowledges that he doesn’t have much longer to live, which partly motivated him to grant the interview. He states he is ready to answer any questions Scott throws his way, revealing a level of cold detachment that only adds to the horror of his crimes.
“I don’t have much time left,” Hilton says, “so I’m going to give you a Lollapalooza interview that’ll knock your socks off.”
A New Look at a Sociopathic Killer
Hilton’s demeanor throughout the interview suggests he views himself as a “different breed” of serial killer. He describes himself as partly a sociopath, showing no empathy for his victims or their families. His willingness to talk to the media after so many years on Florida’s Death Row reveals a chilling level of self-satisfaction, perhaps feeding his ego in his final days.
What’s Next for Hilton’s Confessions?
For those who want to hear Hilton’s unsettling story in full, Court TV will air the complete interview on Sunday, April 13. The upcoming broadcast promises to be an unsettling look into the mind of a killer who has kept his dark secrets hidden for nearly two decades. Hilton’s confessions, which include details about Cheryl Dunlap’s murder, are bound to stir renewed interest in the case and may have further legal ramifications.
