(At left: The late Meredith Emerson and her dog, Ella. Ella has been adopted by Emerson’s parents.)
Supporters of the Meredith Emerson Privacy Act achieved victory over Hustler magazine reporter Fred Rosen in a grab for the release of autopsy photos of the slain Dekalb County woman. Under the Freedom of Information Act, Hustler not only expressed interest in autopsy and crime scene photos of the nude 24 year old, but requested the rape kit used in the investigation. DeKalb County Superior Court Judge Dan Coursey ruled on March 16th that the request was indecent and would cause irreparable harm to the family.
The intent for the use of the photos is unclear. Based on the nature of the publication, it is doubtful that the evidence would be background information in an important piece of journalism. The Meredith Emerson Privacy Act gives precedence to protect the families of other victims.
Critics contend that Georgia House Bill 1322 may cause harm to individuals legitimately conducting an independent investigation or contending conspiracy, as the release of certain types of photos would not be given to private citizens aside from the families of the deceased or those given permission by family via affidavit. However, if the family of the deceased might give permission if they do not feel the case is closed. The future remains to be seen, but for now, the law, at least in the State of Georgia, is out to protect innocent victims and their families from exploitation.
For more information on Emerson, CLICK HERE for the coverage on HoundsGood.com over the past two years.
Meredith Emerson was found murdered in January of 2008. She was last scene hiking with her dog, Ella, in Dekalb County, Georgia. A nerve was touched, not only because of the character of the 24 year old Emerson herself, but the hope that was suggested, then dashed, by the recovery of her dog, Ella. Ella was adopted by Emerson’s parents after the tragic death, but it was briefly believed that if Ella was found, then Emerson could be alive. Unfortunately it was not true.
Next month will mark the one year anniversary of when Meredith Emerson and her dog, Ella, went missing while hiking at Vogel State Park in Blairsville, Georgia. It was a high profile case that touched many hearts. Many people especially remembered the case, as Emerson’s dog, Ella, was later found alive and adopted by Emerson’s parents. I remember that there was much hope that Meredith was alive when Ella surfaced, but it was not to be. I remember feeling the suspense and hope, even though I never had known Miss Emerson.