Autopsy: Grandmother Found Bound and Gagged Died from Lack of Oxygen

Update

Douglasville Police Chief Chris Womack said Florene Duke, the 75-year-old grandmother who was found gagged and tied up in her Selman Road apartment, died of “positional asphyxiation,” according to an AJC report Wednesday afternoon. She died from a lack of oxygen brought on being tied up and having her face covered. Duke’s body underwent an autopsy at the GBI Crime Lab.

---

Original post

A reward is now being offered in the investigation into the death of a Douglasville grandmother who was tied up and gagged in her residence earlier this week.

Florene Duke, 75, was found dead in her Selman Road residence around 6 p.m. Monday after a family member checked up on her. Duke was considered a beloved member or her neighborhood.

Douglasville Police Chief Chris Womack announced a reward of $5,000 is being offered by his department and the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office for information leading to the capture and conviction of those involved.

Police do not have a suspect.

Investigators are awaiting the results of a GBI autopsy for more clues in the case.

Womack said there were no signs of forced entry nor or trauma to the woman’s body. WXIA-TV reported Womack said it was possible that a burglar took advantage of Duke’s kindness, and left her tied up in the apartment.

Anyone with information pertinent to the case should contact Det. Christine Stewart at stewartc@douglasvillega.gov or call 770-920-3010.

Also read:

• Police Continue Investigation Into Death of Douglasville Grandmother, 75
• Grandmother, 75, Found Dead in Douglasville Apartment