ATHENS, Ga. -- Police officials said they do not believe Gary Hilton was involved in the disappearance of a University of Georgia graduate student, but Thursday they said they won't dismiss the possibility.

Hilton is charged with murder in the death of 24-year-old Meredith Emerson.

In another development Thursday, Athens-Clarke County officials have asked the Georgia Bureau of Investigation to join the search for 29-year-old Cayle Bywater.

As WSB-TV was the first to report, Bywater's glasses were found at Memorial Park in Athens Wednesday. She was reported missing December 29.

Athens-Clarke County police requested the GBI's assistance in tracking down Bywater's whereabouts after several days of searching a local pond.

"Given the circumstances and the need for additional resources, they're going to come in to help us," said Maj. Mark Sizemore with the Athens-Clarke County Police.

Investigators said they are following up on a number of leads and they are patrolling the area she was last seen.

Authorities are stressing they are still treating Bywater as a missing person.

When asked about Hilton's possible involvement, Sizemore said, "We have not completely eliminated that potential, however in talking with investigators on that case, we do not believe that Mr. Hilton was in this area at that time."

Bywater's family said they are relieved to hear there will be more help on their case.