John Bryant autopsy reveals death by gunshot

An autopsy report released this week reveals John Bryant died by a gunshot to his head after being taken from Pisgah Forest where he had been hiking with his wife.

Bryant was killed by a gunshot wound to the right top portion of his head, according to the autopsy.

Bryant’s death appears to be the first shooting death confessed murderer Gary Michael Hilton performed among three highly publicized murders in which he beat each victim to death.

Bryant’s remains were discovered by a hunter in February in the Nantahala National Forest west of Franklin.

His body was found off West Old Murphy Road, about five miles from U.S. 64 between Franklin and Clayton.

The autopsy findings reveals that Mr. Bryant’s body was very decomposed and there was evidence of severe animal scavenging.

When medical examiners received Mr. Bryant’s body they used his pacemaker to identify his body. Also along with Mr. Bryant’s body the autopsy reported there were unfired, but partially opened red shotgun shells containing birdshot, a piece of wire, small fragments of paper-like material and vegetation.

The site where Mr. Bryant’s body was discovered appeared to be an illegal dumping ground. Trash littered the ground, from discarded clothes to old paint buckets.

Hilton, 61, was sentenced to life in prison after pleading guilty in Georgia for the murder of Meredith Emerson. He is also the suspect in the murder of Irene Bryant and her husband, John.

The body of Mrs. Bryant, 84, was found murdered Nov. 9 near the Pink Beds Picnic Area in Pisgah National Forest. John Bryant had not been seen since the couple went missing in October.

The couple’s ATM card was used in Ducktown, Tenn., the day after their disappearance. Mr. Bryant’s remains were found at a location that is in the direct route between Pisgah National Forest and Ducktown, authorities said.

A judge cleared the way earlier this month for the Hilton to be extradited to Florida, where he faces the death penalty in the slaying and decapitation of a nurse.