CLAYTON, Ga. — What initially began as a missing person report has taken a grim turn as authorities said it's now investigating the disappearance of a Clayton County woman as a homicide.
Briana Winston was reported missing by her family on April 1 to the Clayton County Police Department. When Winston's family arrived at her residence, it was empty, cleared out by Michale Edwards, the father of her child and live-in boyfriend.
Their worries grew after following up with Winston's workplace, learning she had failed to show up for her scheduled shift on March 17.
Authorities put a notice out on April 11 that Winston was missing and said her last known location was near the Garden Wood Apartments in College Park. Clayton County Police Department's Criminal Investigation Division said it's believed that Winston vanished during the early hours of March 17 under suspicious circumstances, indicative of foul play.
"To date, Briana Winston has not been located, but all points of evidence indicate that she is deceased and detectives will proceed with the case as a homicide investigation," police said in part.
Detectives are now focusing their efforts on piecing together the events leading to Winston's disappearance and ultimately searching for remains.
Police said on Friday that Michale Edwards and his wife, Brienna Phillips-Edwards, are persons of interest in Winston's disappearance.
The Clayton County Police Department urges anyone with information about Briana Winston's disappearance to come forward and assist in the ongoing investigation. Tips can be reported by contacting the department at 770-477-3747.