Crime & Safety
Decatur Police Chief: Officers Working Around the Clock to Solve Murder
The Smyrna woman was shot to death near One Decatur Town Center, police say, after she left a restaurant and walked to her car.
Decatur Police say they are working around the clock to solve the shooting death of a Smyrna woman as she was walking to her car after leaving a downtown Decatur restaurant.
Karen Pearce, 44, of Smyrna, was killed in the 100 block of East Ponce de Leon Avenue about 10:55 p.m. Saturday. Witnesses found Pearce laying on the ground as they left a parking area behind One Decatur Town Center.
Although witnesses reported hearing a gunshot in the downtown area about the time Pearce was found, police waited until Tuesday to confirm the cause of her death. Pearce left a local restaurant and was walking adjacent to where her vehicle was parked.
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Police said additional details about Pearce’s death will not be released while the investigation continues.
“We recognize that everyone is seeking a quick answer to explain the senseless loss of Karen Pearce’s life, but a thorough investigation is a slow and methodical process,” Decatur Police said in a statement Tuesday. “Investigators are following up on every potential lead in an effort to establish a motive and identify who was responsible for the death of Karen Pearce.”
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WSB TV reports that Pearce worked a hairstylist at True Hair Salon & Spa in Marietta. The salon’s Facebook page confirmed the death.
Decatur Police Chief Mike Booker says his department is working nonstop to find the person responsible for the “horrific” crime, which he finds troubling.
“This investigation obviously is the top priority for our entire department and we will continue to work diligently to follow up on leads and tips as they become available,” Booker says. “We will continue with our extra holiday patrol shifts as we have done in the past by having extra officers around the business districts, as well as in other areas of the city. Thank you for your continued support during this most difficult time.”
Anyone with information about the crime is asked to contact the Decatur Police Department at 404/373-6551 or Crimestoppers at 404/577-TIPS or online at http://www.crimestoppersatlanta.org/index.
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