SNELLVILLE, Ga. — A woman was found shot dead at a car dealership in the Snellville area of south Gwinnett County Friday afternoon.
Gwinnett County police homicide detectives were called to Annistown Road and Centerville Highway at 2:30 p.m. Amid rainy conditions, investigators set up crime scene tape and roped off access to the parking lot of Royal Court Motors. The intersection is near a Walmart Supercenter and a Walgreens, just outside of the City of Snellville.
After investigating for more than three hours, police said the victim, identified as 34-year-old Courtney Owens, was shot inside the dealership's office. Owens was an employee at Royal Court Motors, according to police.
A man visibly carrying a firearm and wearing a mask went inside the business, according to witness statements made to police, and shot the woman.
No one else was hurt.
Police said it's unclear if Owens was targeted, but said it is possible the shooter and woman may have known each other, or that the shooter may have been known by someone with the dealership.
Police did not disclose, at first, if Owens was the dealership's owner or employee, or if she was possibly a customer.
Investigators are working to determine a motive.
As of Friday evening, no one was in custody.
Police are checking security camera video from the dealership and from nearby businesses.
Anyone with information is asked to call Gwinnett Police detectives at (770) 513-5300. You can also submit an anonymous tip via CrimeStoppers online.
This is a developing story. Check back often for new information.
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