An autopsy has confirmed that a gunshot killed Karen Pearce on Saturday night as she walked back to her car from Leon’s Full Service in Downtown Decatur. According to our media affiliate CBS46, Decatur Police are investigating but have not said whether the 44-year-old hair Smyrna hair stylist was targeted or the victim of a robbery.
At around 11 p.m. on Dec. 6, witnesses saw Pearce laying on the ground as they were exiting a parking area behind shops and restaurants in the 100 block of East Ponce de Leon Avenue. Witnesses reported hearing a gunshot in the area just prior to the discovery of Pearce’s body.
Decatur Police spokesperson Jennifer Ross released the following statement on Wednesday:
“Additional details will not be released at this time to protect the integrity of the investigation. We are utilizing every available resource and following every potential lead to conduct a thorough investigation. 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. 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.”
Investigators are working around the clock to identify a motive and suspect in this case. If you have any, contact the Decatur Police Department at (404) 373-6551 or Crimestoppers at (404)577-TIPS.
