Atlanta Cop Accused of Murder Waives Initial Court Appearance

The Atlanta police officer accused of murdering a woman he may have met through Craigslist chose to waive his initial court appearance on Friday, the Atlanta Journal Constitution reports.

Tahreem Zeus Rana, 23, was arrested by police at Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport on Thursday morning before he was able to catch a flight to Monterrey, Mexico. Police suspect that his final destination may have been India. He has been charged with murder, arson, and kidnapping in the death of 26-year-old Vernicia Woodard.

Investigators with the Hapeville Police Department used Woodard’s cell phone records to tie Rana to the murder. They suspect that Rana and Woodard met through Craigslist. Rana is accused of killing Woodard, then setting her body on fire to conceal evidence.

A Hapeville city worker discovered Woodard’s body inside a dumpster near Chestnut and Elm streets on the afternoon of Aug. 22.

Rana has been relieved of duty by the Atlanta Police Department. He joined the force in 2011 and had no prior disciplinary record.