Sandy Springs Murder: Family Urges Public To Help Solve Case

SANDY SPRINGS, GA — The Sandy Springs Police Department has increased the reward for any information that would help detectives close the investigation into the murder of a 71-year-old woman found dead inside her home. Members of Kay Thomasson's family are also calling on the community to provide detectives with any information that would lead to the capture of the suspect accused of taking their loved one's life.

The reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the suspect in the stabbing death of Kay Thomasson, 71, now stands at $100,000, the agency said Monday morning.

Police say the suspect in the June 27 homicide is described as a black male with a medium build who was wearing dark clothing at the time of the incident. Information such as the age of the suspect, hairstyle, noticeable scars or tattoos and facial hair have not been released at this time.

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The Police Department held a brief press conference Monday morning to allow members of Thomasson's family to urge anyone with information to come forward and help investigators solve the case. Katie Gryglas, Thomasson's daughter, said her mother was such a "loving member of this community for over 40 years."

"We know that this is a community that takes care of their neighbors, and we are asking you now to help take care of one that mattered greatly to us," she said. "She would have done anything for anybody, so please if you know anything, come forward."

Deputy Police Chief Keith Zgonc said the agency hopes the $100,000 reward will spur members of the public to help track down the man responsible for Thomasson's stabbing death. He also said he wanted to give the Thomasson family credit for coming forward and putting a face to this crime.

"We have been working tirelessly on this case," he said, adding there are several detectives and members of the Street Crimes Unit who are working around the clock to see the case solved. "Our intention is to keep doing that until we successfully conclude the investigation."

Thomasson's body was discovered at 7 p.m. Wednesday, June 27 at her home on Old Woodbine Road, which is located off Peachtree Dunwoody Road. Officers were called to the home by family members after Thomasson missed an appointment she was scheduled to attend on Wednesday.

The investigation also revealed that Thomasson was murdered during the early morning hours of June 27. Police say the suspect also took the woman's vehicle, which was found a few days later at an apartment complex in Chamblee.

Sandy Springs police are also sharing video evidence recovered from Thomasson's home around the time of the homicide. The video shows an unknown male walking slowly in the camera's frame. Zgonc said he hopes someone who sees the video and recognizes how the man walks or his style of clothing will be prompted to call in the tip.

Anyone who has information or may recognize the suspect in the video is urged to contact Crime Stoppers at 404-577-TIPS (8477).

Photo: Kay Thomasson. Credit: Sandy Springs Police Department