ATLANTA — A homicide investigation is underway at a home in a Buckhead neighborhood that left an elderly woman dead.
Atlanta Police said the alleged murder happened at a home in the Paces West neighborhood in northwest Atlanta. The scene was active from the time officers arrived around 5:50 p.m. throughout much of the overnight hours on Saturday and into Sunday morning.
The Fulton County Medical Examiner and police identified the deceased woman as 77-year-old Eleanor "Ellen" J. Bowles.
>> Police gave an update on the case Sunday morning. You can watch it here:
Homicide commander Lt. Dearlove said the motive appears to be a crime interrupted where the woman encountered the suspect attempting to steal her Lexus SUV.
Officers now have surveillance video of a person of interest who they are trying to identify. The car was recovered by police Saturday night in DeKalb County and said it had been driven throughout the city prior to that.
"She was a kind, precious, funny, loving mother, grandmother, and friend -- and so much more," organizers of an online fundraiser said. They are raising money for an organization she cared greatly for --the Atlanta Humane Society and the Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.
Dearlove said the woman was stabbed multiple times and was discovered by her son who was coming home for the holiday.
Officers said they believe the crime likely happened between the hours of 11:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. and are working to determine how the suspects gained entry into the gated community.
A reward of $10,000 is being offered in the case. Citizens are urged to contact Crime Stoppers with any information at 404-577-TIPS(8477).
The neighborhood is roughly one mile away from the Georgia Governor's Mansion in Atlanta's Buckhead district.
This is a developing story. Check back often for new information.
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